The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have shut down an illegal quarrying site in Kuje Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, arresting 13 suspects linked to the operation.
According to Mining Marshals Commander, ACC Attah John Onoja, the suspects were working for a company that had unlawfully occupied and exploited a quarry lease belonging to another licensed firm for more than seven months.
“This operation underscores our commitment to zero tolerance for illegality in the Nigerian mining sector. We will not allow any individual or company to deprive legitimate operators of their lawful rights,” Onoja said in a Thursday statement.
The specialised Mining Marshals unit, recently commissioned to combat illegal mining nationwide, was acting under the directives of NSCDC Commandant General, Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi. The unit’s mandate includes enforcing mining regulations, protecting critical assets, and tackling environmental and safety risks posed by unlicensed operations.
Authorities said the Kuje site had no valid documentation, safety measures, or environmental safeguards, posing threats to public safety.
Onoja warned all operators to comply with mining and environmental laws or face prosecution. The 13 suspects remain in custody and will be formally arraigned in the coming days.
The crackdown forms part of the federal government’s wider efforts to sanitise the mining sector, curb revenue losses, and enhance internal security.
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