Operatives of the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested 19 suspects over alleged offences of illegal mining operations in Edo State.
The suspects were apprehended during a raid on an illegal mining site carried out by officers of the Command’s Mining Marshal Unit following a credible intelligence and sustained surveillance on the activities of suspected illegal miners in the area, the agency adding that two others escaped into the forest during the operation.
Following the enforcement carried out at Okpella, Ososo, Egbetua forest axis of the Etsako East and Akoko-Edo Local Government Areas at about 3:35pm on Tuesday, the arrestees were said to be working for two individuals identified as a man popularly known as “Area” and Abu Mawain.
The Command said 15 of the arrested suspects allegedly worked for “Area”, while the remaining four were said to be working for Abu Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.
Several items suspected to have been used for the illegal mining activities were also recovered from the site.
The recovered items include one pumping machine, five head pans, 13 carpets or rugs, six shovels, 15 mobile phones, one power bank and four identity cards bearing the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.
Confirming the arrest during a media parley in Benin City on Tuesday, the Edo State NSCDC Commander, Saidi Akintayo, said the two alleged leaders of the mining operations, “Area” and Abu Mawain, remained at large, adding that the Command had commenced efforts to track them down and bring them to justice.
He disclosed that the arrested suspects had made statements to investigators, allegedly admitting their involvement in the illegal mining activities.
According to him, the suspects would be prosecuted after the completion of investigations.
Akintayo described the operation as a major breakthrough in the Command’s efforts to combat illegal mining and the criminal exploitation of the state’s natural resources.
The commander warned that the Corps would not allow individuals or groups to continue exploiting Edo State’s natural resources illegally, stressing that such activities deprive the state and the country of revenue and undermine lawful mining operations.
He said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify its operations and flush out illegal miners from mining sites across the state.
Akintayo added that the Command would expand its investigation beyond those found at illegal mining sites to identify financiers, sponsors and other individuals allegedly benefiting from the illegal exploitation of mineral resources.
He also commended Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, for providing logistics and other forms of support that have enabled personnel of the Corps to carry out their duties effectively.
The NSCDC commander equally praised the officers involved in the operation for their courage and commitment, particularly given the challenging terrain in which the suspects were apprehended.
He urged residents and other members of the public to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies to support efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the state’s natural resources.
Akintayo reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain its crackdown on illegal mining, warning that anyone found violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted.