Operatives of the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, have arrested 19 suspected illegal miners in a forest in Edo North.

The Edo NSCDC Commander, Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Benin.

According to him, the suspects were apprehended on Friday, August 28, 2026, at about 3:35pm in the Okpella/Ososo/Egbetua forest axis of Etsako East and Akoko-Edo LGAs following credible intelligence and surveillance.

Despite the difficult terrain, hills and thick bushes, officers of the Command’s Mining Marshal Unit stormed the site and made the arrests. Two other suspects escaped into the forest.

Akintayo said preliminary investigation showed the suspects were engaged in illegal gold mining and were working for two alleged financiers identified as “Area” and Mr. Abu Mawain of Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.

“Fifteen of the suspects worked for ‘Area’, while four worked for Mr. Abu Mawain,” he said.

Items recovered include:

1 pumping machine, 5 head pans, 13 carpets/rugs, 6 shovels, 15 mobile phones, 1 power bank, and 4 ID cards bearing Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.

The Commander said both “Area” and Mr. Abu Mawain are currently at large, but efforts are ongoing to arrest them.

The 19 suspects have made statements admitting involvement and will be charged to court after investigation.

Akintayo vowed that the NSCDC will not allow criminals to plunder Edo’s natural resources. He has directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state to flush out illegal miners and their sponsors.

He also commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics support, and urged members of the public to volunteer information to help tackle illegal mining.

“Illegal mining has no place in Edo State. Anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted,” he added.

Source: Punch News