NSCDC ARRESTS 15 SUSPECTS, IMPOUNDS EIGHT TRUCKS OVER ILLEGAL MINING IN EDO
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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 a series of coordinated operations across the state.
State Commandant Saidi Akintayo, who disclosed this on Monday, described the operations as a significant breakthrough in the corps’ efforts to combat economic sabotage and protect national assets.
According to Akintayo, the arrests followed intelligence-driven operations carried out on November 15 and 16, during which six trucks allegedly transporting illegally mined Kyline clay were intercepted along the Benin–Sapele Road.
He noted that the drivers and their assistants failed to present valid authorisation documents, leading to the arrest of nine suspects 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 same day, the NSCDC Monitoring and Surveillance Team intercepted two trucks conveying lithium along the Ogbemudia Farm axis of Auchi Road.
Akintayo said the documents presented by the drivers were “completely irreconcilable,” resulting in the arrest of additional suspects, including drivers Jimoh Mahmood and Abubakar Aminu, along with their assistants Abdulmutallib Ibrahim, Nafiu Ibrahim, Mubarak Abdul and AbdulKareem Nasir.
Earlier, on Saturday, operatives also arrested one Hassan Rufai near the CCA Construction axis for allegedly transporting suspected stolen items such as a solar battery, generator, plasma TV and inverter chargers.
Condemning illegal mining as a serious economic crime, Akintayo warned that the activity contributes to national revenue loss, environmental degradation and increased security challenges.
He confirmed that all suspects and vehicles had been transferred to the NSCDC exhibit yard for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Akintayo urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, restating the command’s commitment to safeguarding national assets and curbing illegal mining across Edo State.
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