In a bid to combat illegal mining, the Federal Government has shut down an illegal mining site at Guabe in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The operation was carried out by the Mining Marshal Corp, a rapid response squad inaugurated by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, on March 21.
The corps, comprising 2,220 personnel, has been deployed across the 36 states and the FCT to secure the mining environment and sanitize the sector. During the operation, three suspects were arrested, and preliminary investigations revealed that they lacked any documentation authorizing their mining activities on the site.
A legitimate mining company with the necessary permits for the same location was unable to access the site due to the illegal miners’ activities and resistance. The suspects confessed to the offense and admitted to having been operating on the site for over a year.
The operation, led by Corps Commander John Attah, was successful due to meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance. The commander emphasized that the development would not be tolerated as it was displacing lawful miners and investors from performing their legitimate operations.
Upon apprehension, about 2,000 tonnes of lithium were found on-site, highlighting the magnitude of the illegal operation. The seized minerals and equipment on site have been marked as exhibits for prosecution, and further investigations are ongoing to uncover the extent of the illegal activities.
This move by the Federal Government demonstrates its commitment to combating illegal mining and promoting a secure and sanitized mining environment. The public is urged to support the government’s efforts in this regard.
