A fierce legal clash has erupted between the Nigeria Police and NSCDC over shocking claims of illegal mining and child trafficking at a Nasarawa mining site.
With court-ordered intervention and disturbing abuse allegations surfacing, the case could transform inter-agency relations and expose failures in Nigeria’s mining law enforcement.
A major legal standoff is brewing between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) over disturbing allegations of illegal mining, child trafficking, and human rights abuses in Rafin Gabbas, a mining site located in Agwada town, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The controversy, now before the Federal High Court in Abuja, centers around the disputed control and oversight of a mining operation allegedly linked to crimes including culpable homicide, trafficking of minors for forced labor, and obstruction of justice. The unfolding drama pits two major security agencies against each other, raising serious questions about coordination and accountability in the enforcement of mining laws in Nigeria.
Filed under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/901/2025, the police accuse the Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshal, John Onoja, of enabling and protecting unlawful mining activities carried out by two companies: Capital Apex Synergy Global Services Ltd and Nizhong Mining Company Ltd. According to the police, these firms have been operating without proper permits and under the shield of the NSCDC, which is supposed to be a regulator in the mining sector.
An affidavit sworn by Gregory Woje on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police revealed that the Force received multiple petitions, including two from traditional leaders and another two from legal professionals. These petitions detail severe violations at the site, including the use of children trafficked from northern states who are allegedly forced to work in dangerous, inhumane conditions.
“These children are trafficked into the site and subjected to extreme exploitation,” the affidavit stated. “They are given hard drugs to endure long hours of mining without rest. Many of them have tragically died and are buried secretly to avoid detection. Villagers who try to speak up face threats, physical violence, and in some cases, death.”
The affidavit paints a grim picture of the community under siege. Locals are reportedly unable to go to their farms due to fear of violence from those running the illegal operations. It is alleged that when police operatives arrested some NSCDC officers during their investigation, the detained officers were quietly released without any legal procedure, undermining law enforcement efforts.
In response to the disturbing revelations, the court has stepped in. Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court issued an order on May 20, 2025, restraining Commander John Onoja and his team from carrying out any further operations or interference at the mining site pending the completion of the investigation.
The restraining order is seen as a significant move aimed at preventing a possible cover-up and ensuring that those responsible for the alleged crimes are held accountable. Legal analysts believe the case could reshape the relationship between security agencies in the mining sector and prompt urgent reform to safeguard vulnerable communities.
As investigations continue, human rights advocates are calling for immediate protection for whistleblowers and residents of Rafin Gabbas. They stress that the matter transcends inter-agency rivalry and touches on the core of human dignity and justice.
The case is expected to resume in the coming weeks, with stakeholders watching closely to see how the judiciary handles this high-profile showdown between two powerful institutions tasked with upholding the law.
