Sixteen suspects have been arrested over illegal gold mining in the Gwagwalada area of the federal capital territory (FCT).
In a statement on Wednesday, the ministry of solid minerals development said the suspects were apprehended during an operation by mining marshals, who also sealed off the affected sites.
The ministry explained that artisanal miners invaded the community after a “gold vein was accidentally discovered” during the digging of a soakaway pit near a residential building.
The ministry added that the latest activity took place on a farmland behind CKC in Gwagwalada.
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Sunday Okhuoya, deputy director in the mines inspectorate department, who led officials on an on-the-spot assessment, expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance with the minister’s directive.
He said investigations are underway to determine the root cause of the invasions and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
John Attah Onoja, commander of the mining marshals, added that his team has mounted 24-hour surveillance on the sealed sites pending the outcome of the federal government’s inquiry.
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He warned residents to steer clear of the affected areas over possible environmental and public health risks.
The ministry noted that the federal government is fast-tracking the use of satellite surveillance technology to strengthen monitoring and clamp down on illegal mining nationwide.
