By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA — In a decisive move to combat illicit activities in the mining sector, 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. The operation, executed by the elite Mining Marshals unit, led to the arrest of thirteen suspects who have since been charged to court.
The specialized unit acted on intelligence that the quarry had been operating for over seven months without the necessary 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 working for a company that had encroached on the lease of a legitimately licensed operator.
ACC Onoja emphasized the NSCDC’s commitment to ending impunity. “This operation underscores our commitment to zero tolerance for illegality in the Nigerian mining sector,” he stated. “We will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute all violators, no matter how remote or discreet their operations may be.”
The shutdown is a key part of a broader national strategy to restore order and accountability within the mining sector. By enforcing regulations, the NSCDC aims to boost government revenue and enhance internal security, particularly in remote areas where illegal mining operations have proliferated. The arrested individuals are in custody, with legal proceedings underway. The NSCDC Commandant General, Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has prioritized the protection of critical national assets, making enforcement a cornerstone of his leadership.