The Edo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested 15 suspects for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities in Egbetua Community, Ososo in Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commandant of NSCDC, Gbenga Agun, disclosed this on Thursday in Benin, the state capital while interacting with newsmen.
Agun said the suspects were arrested at a gold mining site in Ode Forest by operatives in the Auchi Area Command of the corps on January 27.
He explained that it was the statutory responsibility of the corps to protect lives, public assets and solid minerals deposits across the country, warning other illegal miners in the state to desist from such acts.
The commandant said the command was poised to flush out criminal elements in the state.
DAILY POST reports that the illegal gold mining site was discovered in the community in mid 2024, where hundreds of miners were seen carrying out illegal activities.
