The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), through its Mining Marshals unit, has shut down an illegal quarrying site operating within the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The operation led to the arrest of 13 persons suspected of being involved in the unlawful activity. The suspects have been charged in court and are currently awaiting formal arraignment as investigations continue.
According to a statement released on Thursday by the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, the arrested individuals were found to be working for a company that had allegedly encroached on and exploited a quarry lease belonging to another licensed operator. The illegal operation is said to have persisted for over seven months without legal documentation.
Onoja said, “This operation underscores our commitment to zero tolerance for illegality in the Nigerian mining sector. We will not allow any individual or company to take the law into their own hands or deprive legitimate operators of their lawful rights.”
The shutdown is part of a wider national crackdown on illegal mining activities aimed at sanitising the sector and protecting critical national assets.
The Mining Marshals, a specialised enforcement arm of the NSCDC, was recently established to address the growing menace of illegal mining across Nigeria.
The unit is responsible for ensuring compliance with mining regulations and curbing practices that lead to environmental degradation, revenue loss, and community unrest.
The commander attributed the unit’s success to the strategic leadership of the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, and noted that his guidance continues to shape the Corps’ operations in safeguarding national interests.
The illegal site in Kuje was reportedly operating without proper licensing, safety measures, or environmental safeguards—factors which officials say posed a significant threat to public safety and ecological balance.
Speaking further, ACC Onoja issued a stern warning to all operators in the sector to comply fully with existing mining and environmental regulations.
“Let this serve as a warning to all illegal operators. The era of impunity in the mining sector is over. We will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute all violators, no matter how remote or discreet their operations may be,” he stated.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its resolve to restore order, transparency, and accountability to Nigeria’s mining landscape. This is in line with the federal government’s broader agenda to diversify the economy and strengthen internal security through responsible resource management.
Onoja stated that the arrested suspects remain in custody and are expected to appear in court in the coming days.