The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has shut down an illegal quarrying site in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), arresting 13 suspects in an operation led by its specialised unit, the Mining Marshals. The raid follows an intelligence report that the site had been operating for over seven months without legal documentation, safety protocols, or environmental safeguards.
According to the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) Attah John Onoja, the suspects were allegedly working for a company that encroached on a quarry lease belonging to a licensed operator.
“This operation underscores our commitment to zero tolerance for illegality in the Nigerian mining sector,†Onoja stated. “We will not allow any individual or company to take the law into their own hands or deprive legitimate operators of their lawful rights.â€
The NSCDC confirmed that the site was shut down for violating mining and environmental regulations, which posed a threat to public safety and ecological balance. This enforcement action is in line with the strategic directives of NSCDC Commandant General, Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi, who has prioritised the protection of national assets.
Onoja also issued a strong warning to unlicensed operators, saying, “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.â€
The 13 suspects are currently in custody and are expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue. This crackdown is part of a broader national effort to restore order and accountability in the mining sector, with the goal of boosting government revenue and strengthening internal security.
