The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has directed mining marshals to shut down an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, over concerns about potential environmental risks.
The directive was disclosed in a statement released on Wednesday by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
This latest action follows a previous raid on August 16, 2025, which led to the recovery and sealing of another mining site around the District 2 Extension layout in Gwagwalada. During that operation, 16 suspects were arrested, and authorities confirmed that they would soon face prosecution.
According to the statement, “Following reports of illegal gold mining in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has directed the mining marshals to seal off the site to mitigate potential environmental hazards.”
Preliminary findings revealed that the illegal activity began after artisanal miners invaded the Gwagwalada area when a gold vein was accidentally discovered during the digging of a soakaway pit near a residential property.
The new incident occurred on farmland located behind CKC in Gwagwalada. Acting swiftly on intelligence of renewed mining operations, “Alake promptly ordered the deployment of mining marshals to secure the site,” the statement confirmed.
During an inspection on Wednesday, officials of the ministry led by the Director of Mines Inspectorate, represented by Deputy Director Sunday Okhuoya, “expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance with the minister’s directive, disclosing that relevant departments of the ministry have launched a thorough investigation to unravel the root of these incidents whilst recommending measures to prevent a recurrence.”
The Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja, stated that “his team has established 24-hour surveillance over both affected sites, pending the outcome of the Federal Government’s ongoing inquiry.”
Alake also cautioned residents to avoid the affected areas and reiterated the government’s commitment to eliminating illegal mining across Nigeria. He further disclosed that the ministry was accelerating the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to enhance monitoring and strengthen enforcement operations.
What you should know
Dele Alake, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has been at the forefront of efforts to regulate mining activities and curb illegal operations nationwide.
His recent directive to seal illegal mining sites in Gwagwalada underscores the government’s resolve to prevent environmental hazards, ensure safer communities, and protect Nigeria’s mineral resources from exploitation.
