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From Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Edo State Command, has busted an illegal mining operation in Edo North, arresting 19 suspected illegal miners allegedly engaged in unauthorised gold mining activities.
The suspects were apprehended on August 28 during an operation carried out by NSCDC operatives acting on credible intelligence. The State Commandant, Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this yesterday while briefing journalists at a press conference in Benin City.
Akintayo said the operation underscored the command’s renewed offensive against illegal mining and other activities capable of degrading the environment and depleting the state’s natural resources.
He assured residents that the command would sustain its crackdown on illegal miners and other environmental offenders, warning that anyone found violating the law would face the full weight of the law.
Akintayo said the operation followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance on the activities of suspected illegal miners operating within the Okpella/Ososo/Egbetua forest axis of Etsako East and Akoko-Edo Local Government Areas. He said officers of the command’s Mining Marshal Unit stormed the forest on Friday, August 28, at about 3:35 p.m., despite the difficult terrain, poor road network, hills and thick bushes.
According to him, the operatives successfully located the illegal mining site and arrested 19 suspected illegal miners, while two others escaped into the forest.
“A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were engaged in illegal gold mining and were working for two individuals identified as a man popularly known as ‘Area’ and Mr Abu Mawain, respectively. Fifteen of the suspects allegedly worked for ‘Area’, while four allegedly worked for Mr Abu Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd,” he said.
Akintayo said 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.
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He said the two alleged leaders, “Area” and Abu Mawain, were still at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to track them down and bring them to justice.
The commandant said the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities and would be charged to court after investigation.
Akintayo said the NSCDC would not allow criminal elements to plunder the state’s natural resources, which, according to him, were meant to contribute to the development of Edo and the nation.
He said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations and flush out illegal miners from mining sites across the state.
“We will leave no stone unturned in identifying not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and individuals benefiting from these activities,” he said.
The commandant commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other forms of support to the corps, saying the gesture had created an enabling environment for officers and men to discharge their duties without prejudice or favour.
He also commended the officers involved in the operation for their courage and commitment.
Akintayo urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that would assist the command in tackling illegal mining and protecting the state’s natural resources.
“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” he said.
