The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended 15 suspected illegal miners.

The Command also confiscated eight trucks carrying illegally-mined solid minerals in a series of coordinated operations across the state.

NSCDC Commandant in the State, Saidi Akintayo, announced the development on Monday, describing the operation as a major achievement in the fight against economic sabotage and a step forward in protecting the State’s natural resources.

According to Akintayo, the suspects were arrested following intelligence-driven operations carried out on November 15 and 16, during which six trucks allegedly loaded with illegally mined Kyline clay were intercepted along the Benin–Sapele Road.

The commandant alleged that the drivers and assistants of the vehicles failed to produce valid documents, which led to the arrest of nine of the suspects during the operations.

He added that the suspects include Tobilola Moses, Laseisi Adesegun, Olayinka Dimeji, Joshua Ojo, Peter Oliga, Owolabi Gabriel, Solomon Shedrach, Adela Tannimawo, and Ibrahim Habib.

Akintayo described illegal mining as a harmful economic crime that not only causes significant revenue loss but also results in environmental degradation and heightened insecurity within the state.

The commandant further explained that all suspects and the seized vehicles have been moved to the NSCDC exhibit yard, where they will be thoroughly investigated ahead of prosecution.

He warned that the command will not tolerate activities that threaten national assets and reiterated the importance of legal compliance in the mining sector.

Akintayo also urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasising that community cooperation is essential in curbing illegal mining and protecting both lives and property.

He reassured Edo residents of the Command’s commitment to continuing intelligence-led operations and other proactive measures to tackle illegal mining across the State. (LEADERSHIP)