NSCDC Arrests 19 Suspected Illegal Miners in Edo, Launches Manhunt for Two Alleged Operators

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners during a raid on an illegal gold mining site in Edo State.

The suspects were apprehended on Friday, August 28, 2026, in the Okpella/Ososo/Egbetua forest area covering Etsako East and Akoko-Edo Local Government Areas.

The Edo State NSCDC Commander, Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference in Benin City. He said the operation followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance of illegal mining activities in the area.

According to Akintayo, officers from the corps’ Mining Marshal Unit entered the forest at about 3:35 p.m. despite difficult terrain, poor roads, hills and thick vegetation.

He said 19 suspects were arrested, while two others escaped into the forest.

A preliminary investigation reportedly showed that the suspects were involved in illegal gold mining and were working for two individuals identified as a man known as “Area” and another man, Abu Mawain.

Fifteen of the arrested suspects allegedly worked for “Area”, while the remaining four were said to be working for Mawain through a company identified as Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.

Items recovered from the mining site included a pumping machine, five head pans, 13 carpets or rugs, six shovels, 15 mobile phones, one power bank and four identity cards bearing the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.

The NSCDC commander said the two alleged operators remained at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest them.

He said the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their alleged involvement in the illegal mining activities and would be charged to court after investigations were concluded.

Akintayo said the operation was part of the command’s broader campaign against illegal mining and the unlawful exploitation of Edo State’s natural resources.

He further directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only illegal miners but also financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.

The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistical support to the NSCDC and praised the officers involved in the operation for their courage and commitment.

He also urged members of the public to provide credible information that could help the authorities combat illegal mining.

Akintayo reaffirmed that the Edo State NSCDC Command would continue its crackdown on illegal mining and prosecute anyone found violating the law.