By Reportcircle, Abuja
The Federal Government has intensified its clampdown on illegal mining activities, as the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has ordered the sealing of an illegal gold mining site in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The directive followed intelligence reports of renewed unlawful mining operations on farmland behind CKC in Gwagwalada.
A statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, confirmed the move.
This latest action comes barely two weeks after mining marshals sealed a site at District 2 Extension layout in Gwagwalada on August 16, where 16 suspects were arrested and are awaiting prosecution.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the illegal activity began after artisanal miners discovered a gold vein accidentally during the digging of a soakaway pit near a residential property.
Speaking after an on-the-spot assessment, officials of the Mines Inspectorate Department, led by Deputy Director Sunday Okhuoya, expressed satisfaction with compliance at the site.
They also disclosed that a comprehensive investigation has been launched to determine the root causes of repeated incursions and recommend preventive measures.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Attah Onoja, confirmed that his operatives have mounted 24-hour surveillance at both affected sites, pending the outcome of the Federal Government’s probe.
Dr. Alake, while warning of the grave environmental and health risks posed by illegal mining, urged residents to steer clear of the sealed sites.
He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to eradicate illegal mining nationwide, disclosing that the Ministry is fast-tracking the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining operations and strengthen enforcement capacity.
