Cynthia Ezegwu
The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 15 suspects and impounded eight trucks loaded with illegally mined solid minerals during coordinated operations across the state.
State Commandant Saidi Akintayo announced the development on Monday, describing the crackdown as a significant operational breakthrough in the fight against economic sabotage.
The arrests followed intelligence-led operations conducted on November 15 and 16. Six trucks carrying allegedly illegally mined Kyline clay were intercepted along the Benin–Sapele Road, leading to the arrest of nine suspects for failing to present valid authorisation documents. The arrested individuals were identified as Tobilola Moses, Laseisi Adesegun, Olayinka Dimeji, Joshua Ojo, Peter Oliga, Owolabi Gabriel, Solomon Shedrach, Adela Tannimawo, and Ibrahim Habib.
In a separate operation, the NSCDC Monitoring and Surveillance Team intercepted two trucks transporting lithium along the Ogbemudia Farm axis of Auchi Road. The drivers’ documentation was deemed invalid, resulting in the arrest of four suspects: drivers Jimoh Mahmood and Abubakar Aminu, and their assistants Abdulmutallib Ibrahim, Nafiu Ibrahim, Mubarak Abdul, and AbdulKareem Nasir.
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Earlier, on Saturday, the corps also arrested Hassan Rufai near the CCA Construction axis for conveying suspected stolen items, including a solar battery, generator, plasma TV, and inverter chargers.
Commandant Akintayo condemned illegal mining as a destructive economic crime that causes revenue loss, environmental damage, and heightened insecurity. All suspects and vehicles have been moved to the NSCDC exhibit yard for investigation and prosecution.
He urged residents to report suspicious activities, reaffirming the command’s commitment to protecting national assets and curbing illegal mining across Edo State.