The Nigerian Government has shut down an illegal gold mining site in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory, as part of efforts to tackle environmental hazards and insecurity associated with unregulated mining.
The move followed a directive from the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, according to his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori.
He said that “the clampdown came after a similar operation on August 16, 2025, when Mining Marshals sealed another illegal site in the District 2 Extension Layout of Gwagwalada and arrested sixteen suspects now facing prosecution.’
He further noted that preliminary investigations indicate artisanal miners flocked to the area after a gold vein was accidentally discovered during the excavation of a soakaway pit near a residential property.
Acting on fresh intelligence, Dr. Alake ordered the immediate deployment of the Mining Marshals to the scene. Ministry officials, led by the Deputy Director of Mines Inspectorate, Sunday Okhuoya, conducted an on-the-spot assessment and expressed satisfaction with compliance efforts.
They also confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the illegal activities and recommend preventive measures.
Twenty-four-hour surveillance has been established at both affected sites pending the conclusion of the Nigerian Government’s inquiry.
Dr. Alake urged residents to avoid the sealed areas due to potential environmental and public health risks.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining, noting that the Ministry is accelerating the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining operations and bolster enforcement efforts nationwide.