The Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have filed an appeal at the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to vacate a 30-day restraining order that bars them from operating at a disputed mining site in Rafin Gabbas, Agwada, Kokona LGA, Nasarawa State.

The order, granted by Justice Emeka Nwite on May 20, 2025, followed allegations by the Nigeria Police that the marshals were facilitating illegal mining through two companies—Capital Apex Synergy Global Services Ltd and Nizhong Mining Company Ltd.

In an affidavit by a police officer, Gregory Woje, the police alleged the use of trafficked underage children for forced labor, drug abuse, and hazardous working conditions at the site, leading to multiple deaths.

NSCDC, however, countered the claims. In a separate affidavit deposed to by Lukeman John, the agency stated that their actions were based on a petition from Capital Apex, which had reported illegal encroachment on its legally acquired mineral title.

Commander Attah Onoja said the marshals only returned to the site on March 25, 2025, to secure it after receiving intelligence of resumed illegal mining by suspects already under prosecution.

He alleged that the following week, NSCDC operatives were ambushed by police officers who disarmed and arrested them without provocation.

But in a further affidavit, police insisted that Onoja had compromised his position, accusing him of registering one of the companies for personal gain and contributing to a crisis that has already claimed over 100 lives in the community.

The case continues to unfold as both sides maintain starkly opposing narratives.