The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three individuals for engaging in illegal gold mining activities in Borno State.
The suspects, identified as Umar Muhammad, Modu Bamai Umar, and Sani Samaila, were apprehended following an intelligence-driven operation targeting unlicensed mining sites in the region.
EFCC officials revealed that the suspects were tracked through tips from local communities combined with covert surveillance.
This intelligence allowed the commission to locate their illegal mining activities in Hawul Local Government Area.
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During the operation, authorities seized mining equipment, a small gold measuring machine, and a significant quantity of illegally mined gold.
The commission stated that the suspects’ actions not only violated Nigeria’s mining regulations but also contributed to environmental degradation and posed security risks in the area.
The trio is currently in EFCC custody and will face prosecution under relevant mining and anti-corruption laws.
The commission called on residents to report any illegal mining activities to help safeguard natural resources and protect communities from criminal exploitation.
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