Nigerian authorities have intensified efforts to combat illegal mining, with security forces shutting down an unauthorized quarry operation in the capital region and arresting 13 suspects linked to the site. The operation, executed by the Mining Marshals unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), targeted a location in Kuje Area Council, Abuja, where workers allegedly exploited a quarry lease legally held by another company for seven months without authorization.
Commander Attah John Onoja, leader of the specialized NSCDC unit, described the crackdown as a critical step in safeguarding the country’s natural resources and upholding lawful mining practices. “This operation reflects our zero-tolerance stance toward illegal activities in the sector,” Onoja stated. “No individual or entity can circumvent the law or undermine the rights of legitimate operators.” The suspects, now in custody, face imminent arraignment as investigations proceed.
The Mining Marshals, established to address rampant unlawful extraction activities, operate under the strategic directives of NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi. Their mandate includes enforcing mining laws, protecting critical infrastructure, and curbing environmental harm caused by unregulated operations. Illegal mining has long plagued Nigeria, draining state revenue, degrading ecosystems, and fueling tensions in mining communities. The Kuje site, lacking permits, safety measures, and environmental safeguards, typifies risks posed by such ventures—including soil erosion, water pollution, and workplace hazards.
Onoja warned other unauthorized operators to comply with regulations or face legal consequences. “The era of impunity is over,” he emphasized. “We will pursue violators relentlessly, whether they operate in cities or remote areas.” The shutdown coincides with heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s mining sector, a focal point in government plans to diversify the oil-dependent economy. Authorities aim to attract foreign investment by ensuring transparency, accountability, and adherence to environmental standards.
Illegal mining remains entrenched in regions where weak enforcement persists, often involving informal networks that evade oversight. By dismantling such operations, the NSCDC seeks to bolster lawful enterprises while addressing security risks linked to illicit resource extraction. The government’s broader agenda ties mineral sector reforms to job creation, revenue growth, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels.
As Nigeria confronts the dual challenges of economic development and environmental preservation, the Mining Marshals’ actions signal a tightening grip on rogue actors. The upcoming court proceedings against the Kuje suspects will test the resolve to enforce accountability in a sector vital to the nation’s future.
