*Saidi Akintayo, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, confirms a preliminary investigation into illegal mining activities revealed that the suspects were engaged in illegal gold mining, and were working for two individuals identified as ‘Area’ and Abu Mawain, respectively in Edo North
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
Against the backdrop of criminal exploitation of Nigeria’s natural resources, operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC ) have nabbed 19 suspected illegal miners in Edo State, South-South region.
ConsumerConnect reports Saidi Akintayo, Commandant of the Corps, disclosed this development Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at a press conference, in Benin City, Edo State capital.
Akintayo said the operatives of NSCDC had arrested the suspected illegal miners August 28 while perpetrating their illicit act in a forest in Edo North of the state.
The Corps Commander told reporters: “I wish to brief you on the recent operational breakthrough recorded by the Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in its ongoing fight against illegal mining and the criminal exploitation of our natural resources.
“Following 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 on Friday, 28th August, 2026, at about 15:35hrs.”
He also stated: “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.
“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.”
Akintayo explained: “Fifteen of the suspects allegedly worked for ‘Area’, while four allegedly worked for Mr. Abu Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Limited.
“Several items were recovered, including 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 Limited.”
The Commandant further said the two alleged leaders, “Area” and Mr. Abu Mawain, were currently at large.
He, however, assured that efforts were ongoing at locating and bringing them to justice.
Meanwhile, Akintayo has said the arrested suspects have made statements, admitting their involvement, and they would be charged to court after investigation.
He averred: “Let me state categorically, that the NSCDC will not fold its arms and allow criminal elements to plunder the natural resources of Edo State, which are meant to contribute to the development of the state and the nation.
“I have, therefore, directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations and flush out illegal miners from mining sites across Edo 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.”