NSCDC arrests illegal miners Edo State after operatives of the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) arrested 19 suspected illegal miners in a major operation.

The arrests were announced on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, by the Edo State Commander of the NSCDC, Saidi Akintayo, during a press conference in Benin City. He said the suspects were apprehended on Friday, August 28, 2026, while carrying out illegal mining activities in a forest in Edo North.

According to the commander, 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. Officers of the Command’s Mining Marshal Unit stormed the forest at about 15:35hrs.

“Despite the difficult terrain, poor road network, hills, and thick bushes, our officers successfully located the illegal mining site and arrested 19 suspected illegal miners, while two others escaped into the forest,” Akintayo stated.

A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were engaged in illegal gold mining. They were allegedly working for two individuals identified as a man popularly known as “Area” and Mr. Abu Mawain. Fifteen of the suspects reportedly worked for “Area,” while four worked for Mr. Abu Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.

Several items were recovered during the operation. These include one pumping machine, five head pans, thirteen carpets/rugs, six shovels, fifteen mobile phones, one power bank, and four identity cards bearing the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.

Akintayo described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the ongoing fight against illegal mining and the criminal exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources. He noted that the suspects have made statements admitting their involvement and will be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

The NSCDC arrests illegal miners Edo operation highlights the continued efforts of the Mining Marshal Unit to curb illegal mining activities that deprive the government of revenue, degrade the environment, and contribute to insecurity in mining communities.

Illegal mining remains a major challenge in several parts of Nigeria, including Edo State, where solid minerals such as gold are present. Security agencies, particularly the NSCDC, have intensified operations to protect national assets and ensure that only licensed operators engage in mining activities.

The Edo State Command has repeatedly warned that anyone found engaging in illegal mining, unauthorized transportation of minerals, or aiding such activities will face arrest, investigation, and prosecution.

The 19 suspects are currently in the custody of the NSCDC for further interrogation. The two individuals identified as “Area” and Mr. Abu Mawain are yet to be arrested.

This latest success by the NSCDC Mining Marshal Unit in Edo State forms part of broader national efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector and boost legitimate revenue generation for the country.