The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has made significant arrests, detaining 51 suspected illegal miners and three individuals suspected of vandalizing telecommunication masts in the territory.
According to the command spokesperson, Samuel Idoko, the NSCDC FCT Commandant, Olusola Odumosu, revealed that the 51 suspects were apprehended in the Gwagwalada area of the FCT for engaging in illegal mining activities. The suspects, all males, were found without evidence of operating under a registered company and lacked exploration and mining licenses. Odumosu emphasized that illegal mining activities lead to environmental degradation, erosion, and render affected areas unsuitable for agricultural and human activities.
After a thorough investigation, the suspects will face charges in court, serving as a deterrent to others involved in such activities. Exhibits recovered from the suspects included dismantled metal mast parts, five pumping machines, an unquantified amount of substance alleged to be gold dust, pumping hoses, ten liters of fuel, shovels, diggers, and headpans.
In a separate case, three suspects were arrested for allegedly vandalizing telecommunication masts in the Giri Area. Odumosu stated that obtaining approval from the NSCDC is a prerequisite for decommissioning any mast, as the agency is the lead in protecting critical national assets and infrastructure. The three suspects failed to provide approval or proper means of identification, raising suspicions of premeditated vandalism. Investigations are ongoing to determine their culpability and the involvement of a businessman who had allegedly received payment for the dismantling. The necessary actions will be taken after the investigation is completed.
