The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has recorded a major breakthrough in its clampdown on illegal mining, arresting 15 suspects and impounding eight trucks loaded with solid minerals in a series of coordinated operations across the state.
State Commandant Saidi Akintayo, who disclosed this on Monday, said the arrests followed intelligence-driven raids carried out between November 15 and 16.
According to him, six trucks allegedly transporting illegally mined Kyline clay were intercepted along the Benin–Sapele Road. The drivers and their assistants reportedly could not produce valid authorisation documents, leading to the arrest of nine suspects.
Those apprehended include Tobilola Moses, Laseisi Adesegun, Olayinka Dimeji, Joshua Ojo, Peter Oliga, Owolabi Gabriel, Solomon Shedrach, Adela Tannimawo and Ibrahim Habib.
In a separate operation the same day, the command’s Monitoring and Surveillance Team intercepted two trucks conveying lithium along the Ogbemudia Farm axis of the Auchi Road. Akintayo said the paperwork presented by the drivers was “completely irreconcilable,” resulting in the arrest of another set of suspects: drivers Jimoh Mahmood and Abubakar Aminu, alongside their assistants Abdulmutallib Ibrahim, Nafiu Ibrahim, Mubarak Abdul and AbdulKareem Nasir.
Earlier on Saturday, the NSCDC had arrested one Hassan Rufai near the CCA Construction axis for allegedly transporting suspected stolen items, including a solar battery, generator, plasma TV and inverter chargers.
Akintayo described illegal mining as a destructive economic crime responsible for massive revenue loss, environmental degradation and increased insecurity. He said all suspects and vehicles had been moved to the NSCDC exhibit yard for further investigation before prosecution.
The Commandant urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, reaffirming the corps’ commitment to safeguarding national assets and dismantling illegal mining networks across Edo State.
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