The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners during an operation at an illegal gold mining site within the Okpella/Ososo/Egbetua forest axis of Etsako East and Akoko-Edo Local Government Areas of the state.
The State Commandant of the Corps, Commandant Saidi Akintayo Ayinla, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the operation, saying the arrests followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance on the activities of suspected illegal miners operating in the forest.
Ayinla said operatives of the Command’s Mining Marshal Unit stormed the forest at about 3:35 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026, despite the difficult terrain, poor road network, hills and thick vegetation in the area.
According to him, the operatives successfully located the illegal mining site and arrested 19 suspects, while two others escaped into the forest.
The Commandant said preliminary investigation showed that the suspects were allegedly involved in illegal gold mining and were working for two individuals identified as a man popularly known as “Area” and Mr Abu Mawain.
He explained that 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.
Ayinla disclosed that several items were recovered from the site, including one pumping machine, five head pans, 13 carpets/rugs, six shovels, 15 mobile phones, one power bank and four identity cards bearing the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.
He said the two alleged leaders, “Area” and Abu Mawain, were currently at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and bring them to justice.
According to the Commandant, the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement and would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.
Ayinla also warned that the NSCDC would not allow criminal elements to plunder Edo State’s natural resources, which he said were meant to contribute to the development of the state and the nation.
He said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations against illegal mining activities across the state, stressing that the Corps would go beyond arresting persons working at illegal mining sites to identifying financiers, sponsors and other individuals benefiting from the activities.
The Commandant commended the officers involved in the operation for their courage and commitment, while urging members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist security agencies in tackling illegal mining.
Ayinla further expressed appreciation to the Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for his support and commitment to efforts aimed at protecting the state’s natural resources and strengthening security operations across Edo State.
He assured residents that the NSCDC Edo State Command remained resolute in its fight against illegal mining, warning that anyone found violating the law would be arrested and prosecuted accordingly.