The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have shut down an illegal quarry in the Kuje Area Council, Abuja, resulting in the arrest of 13 suspects.

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 been exploiting a quarry site belonging to another licensed operator for over seven months without legal authorisation.

“This operation shows our zero-tolerance for illegality in the Nigerian mining sector,” Onoja said. “No one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands or rob legitimate operators of their rights.”

The Mining Marshals, a specialised NSCDC unit, were created to tackle illegal mining, enforce mining regulations, and safeguard national resources. Illegal mining has been blamed for revenue losses, environmental damage, and conflicts in many communities.

The recently closed site was operating without proper documentation, safety measures, or environmental protection, posing serious risks to public safety. Onoja warned all operators to comply with mining and environmental laws or face prosecution.

The 13 suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court soon. Authorities have pledged to continue cleaning up the sector, ensuring transparency, accountability, and safer mining practices nationwide.