The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners during a raid on an illegal gold mining site in Edo State.
The suspects were apprehended on Friday, August 28, 2026, following an operation at the Okpella/Ososo/Egbetua forest axis, covering parts of Etsako East and Akoko-Edo Local Government Areas.
The Edo State NSCDC Commander, Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Benin City, explaining that the operation was carried out after credible intelligence and surveillance uncovered suspected illegal mining activities in the area.
According to him, officers of the command’s Mining Marshal Unit entered the forest at about 3:35 p.m., overcoming difficult terrain, poor road conditions, hills and thick vegetation before locating the mining site.
Akintayo said 19 suspects were arrested, while two others escaped into the forest.
Preliminary investigations reportedly showed that the suspects were involved in illegal gold mining activities and were allegedly working for two individuals identified as a man known as “Area” and Abu Mawain.
The commander said 15 of the arrested suspects were allegedly working for “Area”, while four others were reportedly operating under Mawain through Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.
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Several items were recovered from the site, including a pumping machine, five head pans, 13 carpets or rugs, six shovels, 15 mobile phones, a power bank and four identity cards bearing the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.
The two alleged operators remain at large, with the NSCDC saying efforts are ongoing to locate and arrest them.
The commander added that the arrested suspects had made statements concerning their alleged involvement and would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.
Akintayo said the operation was part of the command’s broader efforts to stop illegal mining and protect Edo State’s natural resources from exploitation.
He further disclosed that the Mining Marshal Unit had been directed to intensify operations across the state, with particular attention to identifying financiers, sponsors and others who may be benefiting from illegal mining activities.
The NSCDC commander urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in tackling illegal mining across the state.
He maintained that the Edo State Command would continue its operations against illegal mining and ensure that those found violating the law are brought to justice.
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