The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of an illegal gold mining site in the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, gave the directive following reports of unlawful mining activities in the area. 

He tasked the Mining Marshals to seal off the site to prevent environmental and public health risks.

The move comes after an earlier operation on August 16, 2025, in which the marshals recovered and sealed a similar site around the District 2 Extension layout in Gwagwalada.

16 suspects arrested in connection with that incident are set to face prosecution.

Preliminary investigations revealed that illegal artisanal miners had stormed the area after a gold vein was accidentally discovered during the digging of a soakaway pit near a residential property. 

The latest incident occurred on farmland behind CKC in Gwagwalada.

Upon receiving intelligence reports of renewed activity, Dr. Alake deployed the marshals, who have since secured the site. 

Officials of the Ministry, led by the Director of Mines Inspectorate and represented by the Deputy Director, Sunday Okhuoya, visited the site on Wednesday and expressed satisfaction with compliance levels. 

He confirmed that the Ministry has launched full investigation into the incidents to prevent recurrence.

Commander of the Mining Marshals, Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Attah Onoja, said his team had mounted 24-hour surveillance over both affected sites, pending the outcome of the government’s inquiry.

Dr. Alake urged residents to stay away from the closed sites while enforcement and remediation efforts continue. 

He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to eradicating illegal mining nationwide, disclosing that the Ministry is fast-tracking the deployment of satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining operations and strengthen enforcement capacity.