Nineteen suspected illegal gold miners have been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during a raid on an illegal mining site in the Okpella/Ososo/Egbetua forest axis of Edo State.
The Edo State Commandant of the Corps, Commandant Saidi Akintayo Ayinla, who disclosed this while briefing journalists, said the operation was carried out by the Command’s Mining Marshal Unit following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance on suspected illegal mining activities in the area.
Ayinla said the operatives stormed the forest at about 3:35 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, overcoming difficult terrain, poor road networks, hills and thick bushes before locating the illegal mining site.
He said 19 suspects were arrested during the operation, while two others escaped into the forest.
According to the Commandant, preliminary investigation established that the suspects were allegedly engaged in illegal gold mining and were working for two individuals identified as “Area” and Mr Abu Mawain.
Ayinla said suspects one to 15 allegedly worked for “Area”, while suspects 16 to 19 were reportedly working for Abu Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.
Items recovered during the operation, he said, included a pumping machine, five head pans, 13 carpets/rugs, six shovels, 15 mobile phones, a power bank and four identity cards bearing the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.
The Commandant said the two alleged masterminds, “Area” and Abu Mawain, remained at large, noting that security operatives were already working to track them down and bring them to justice.
Ayinla added that the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement and would be prosecuted after investigations were concluded.
He declared that the NSCDC would not fold its arms and allow criminal elements to continue plundering Edo State’s natural resources, stressing that such resources should contribute to the development of the state and the country.
The Commandant said he had consequently directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify its operations and flush out illegal miners from mining sites across Edo State.
Ayinla stressed that the operation would not stop with the arrest of those found at illegal mining sites, as the Corps would also pursue the financiers, sponsors and individuals benefiting from the illegal exploitation of the state’s mineral resources.
He commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment, while calling on residents to provide credible intelligence that could help the Corps dismantle illegal mining networks across the state.
The Edo NSCDC boss also thanked Governor Monday Okpebholo for his support and commitment to the fight against illegal mining and the protection of Edo State’s natural resources, saying the collaboration and backing of the state government remained important to the success of the security agencies’ operations.
Ayinla assured the people of Edo State that the Command would sustain the offensive against illegal mining, declaring that “illegal mining has no place in Edo State.”
He warned that anyone found violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.
