Nigerian authorities have shut down an unlicensed mining site in the capital Abuja, arresting 13 suspects in a renewed push to combat illegal extractive activities crippling the country’s economy and environment. The specialized Mining Marshals unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) closed the quarry in Kuje Area Council, where a company allegedly exploited another firm’s leased land for seven months without authorization.
Assistant Commandant Attah John Onoja, the unit’s commander, stated the operation demonstrated a “zero tolerance” policy toward unlawful mining. “We will not allow individuals or companies to seize legitimate operators’ rights or bypass legal frameworks,” he said. The suspects, now awaiting trial, worked for a group accused of occupying the site without permits, safety measures, or environmental protections, risking ecological damage and public health.
The crackdown reflects broader efforts to regulate Nigeria’s mining sector, which has long struggled with illegal operations siphoning state revenue and fueling environmental harm. The Mining Marshals, established under NSCDC Commandant General Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi, target unpermitted ventures in remote and urban areas alike—regions where weak enforcement historically enabled reckless extraction.
Illegal mining costs Nigeria billions annually in lost royalties and tax income while exacerbating deforestation, soil erosion, and clashes between communities and operators. The NSCDC unit enforces compliance with mining laws, focusing on sites lacking documentation or safeguards. The Kuje shutdown follows rising concerns over unregulated quarries and pits, often linked to organized crime and informal labor networks.
Onoja issued a stark warning to violators: “The era of impunity is over. We’ll pursue offenders regardless of location or secrecy.” Authorities emphasized alignment with national goals to diversify Nigeria’s oil-dependent economy by formalizing mining, enhancing transparency, and securing resource-rich zones.
While the 13 suspects face prosecution, broader challenges persist. Weak monitoring systems, corruption, and high demand for construction materials complicate enforcement. Analysts note successes like the Kuje operation signal progress but stress the need for sustained investment in surveillance technology and interagency coordination to deter future violations.
The NSCDC reaffirmed plans to audit mining sites nationwide, aiming to weed out illegal operators and protect licensed businesses. As trials proceed, the case underscores Nigeria’s attempt to balance economic development with environmental stewardship and rule of law—a critical test for Africa’s largest economy.
