The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has closed an illegal quarry site in Kuje Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, arresting 13 suspects who are now facing prosecution.
The operation was carried out by the Mining Marshals, a specialised NSCDC unit established to combat illegal mining nationwide.
Acting on intelligence, the team discovered the site had been operating for over seven months without legal permits, safety measures, or environmental safeguards.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, said the suspects worked for a company accused of encroaching on a licensed operator’s quarry lease.
“This operation underscores our zero tolerance for illegality in the Nigerian mining sector,” Onoja stated. “No individual or company will be allowed to deprive legitimate operators of their lawful rights.”
Authorities said the site was shut for violating mining and environmental regulations, posing risks to public safety and the environment.
The crackdown aligns with directives from NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, mni, who has prioritised the protection of critical assets and strict enforcement of compliance.
Onoja warned unlicensed miners to desist from illegal operations, vowing continuous investigations and prosecutions.
The arrests come amid increasing concerns over illegal mining in remote and peri-urban areas, where weak oversight has enabled the activity to thrive.
Officials say the ongoing enforcement drive aims to restore order in the sector, boost government revenue, and strengthen internal security.