The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners operating in a forest in Edo North, with two alleged operators said to be behind the activities currently at large.The suspects were arrested on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a raid on an illegal gold mining site in the Okpella/Ososo/Egbetua forest axis of Etsako East and Akoko-Edo Local Government Areas of Edo State.The Edo State NSCDC Commander, Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference in Benin, where he said the operation followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance of suspected illegal mining activities in the area.Akintayo said the corps’ Mining Marshal Unit stormed the forest at about 3:35pm on Friday despite the difficult terrain, poor road network, hills and thick vegetation.He said, “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.”According to the commander, 15 of the suspects allegedly worked for “Area”, while the remaining four were reportedly working for Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.Several items were recovered from the mining site, including one 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.Akintayo said the two alleged operators were currently at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest them.Related NewsWike, Okpebholo mourn as Edo PDP chieftain Orbih diesOkpebholo, Edo PDP, others mourn OrbihNSCDC arrests 19 suspected illegal miners in EdoHe said the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities and would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.The NSCDC commander said the operation formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and the exploitation of the state’s natural resources.“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,” he said.Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. The suspects were arrested on Friday, August 28, 2026, during a raid on an illegal gold mining site in the Okpella/Ososo/Egbetua forest axis of Etsako East and Akoko-Edo Local Government Areas of Edo State.The Edo State NSCDC Commander, Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference in Benin, where he said the operation followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance of suspected illegal mining activities in the area.Akintayo said the corps’ Mining Marshal Unit stormed the forest at about 3:35pm on Friday despite the difficult terrain, poor road network, hills and thick vegetation.He said, “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.”According to the commander, 15 of the suspects allegedly worked for “Area”, while the remaining four were reportedly working for Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.Several items were recovered from the mining site, including one 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.Akintayo said the two alleged operators were currently at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest them.Related NewsWike, Okpebholo mourn as Edo PDP chieftain Orbih diesOkpebholo, Edo PDP, others mourn OrbihNSCDC arrests 19 suspected illegal miners in EdoHe said the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities and would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.The NSCDC commander said the operation formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and the exploitation of the state’s natural resources.“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,” he said.Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. The Edo State NSCDC Commander, Saidi Akintayo, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference in Benin, where he said the operation followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance of suspected illegal mining activities in the area.Akintayo said the corps’ Mining Marshal Unit stormed the forest at about 3:35pm on Friday despite the difficult terrain, poor road network, hills and thick vegetation.He said, “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.”According to the commander, 15 of the suspects allegedly worked for “Area”, while the remaining four were reportedly working for Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.Several items were recovered from the mining site, including one 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.Akintayo said the two alleged operators were currently at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest them.Related NewsWike, Okpebholo mourn as Edo PDP chieftain Orbih diesOkpebholo, Edo PDP, others mourn OrbihNSCDC arrests 19 suspected illegal miners in EdoHe said the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities and would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.The NSCDC commander said the operation formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and the exploitation of the state’s natural resources.“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,” he said.Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. Akintayo said the corps’ Mining Marshal Unit stormed the forest at about 3:35pm on Friday despite the difficult terrain, poor road network, hills and thick vegetation.He said, “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.”According to the commander, 15 of the suspects allegedly worked for “Area”, while the remaining four were reportedly working for Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.Several items were recovered from the mining site, including one 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.Akintayo said the two alleged operators were currently at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest them.Related NewsWike, Okpebholo mourn as Edo PDP chieftain Orbih diesOkpebholo, Edo PDP, others mourn OrbihNSCDC arrests 19 suspected illegal miners in EdoHe said the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities and would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.The NSCDC commander said the operation formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and the exploitation of the state’s natural resources.“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,” he said.Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. He said, “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.”According to the commander, 15 of the suspects allegedly worked for “Area”, while the remaining four were reportedly working for Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.Several items were recovered from the mining site, including one 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.Akintayo said the two alleged operators were currently at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest them.Related NewsWike, Okpebholo mourn as Edo PDP chieftain Orbih diesOkpebholo, Edo PDP, others mourn OrbihNSCDC arrests 19 suspected illegal miners in EdoHe said the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities and would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.The NSCDC commander said the operation formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and the exploitation of the state’s natural resources.“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,” he said.Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. “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.”According to the commander, 15 of the suspects allegedly worked for “Area”, while the remaining four were reportedly working for Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.Several items were recovered from the mining site, including one 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.Akintayo said the two alleged operators were currently at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest them.Related NewsWike, Okpebholo mourn as Edo PDP chieftain Orbih diesOkpebholo, Edo PDP, others mourn OrbihNSCDC arrests 19 suspected illegal miners in EdoHe said the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities and would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.The NSCDC commander said the operation formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and the exploitation of the state’s natural resources.“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,” he said.Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. According to the commander, 15 of the suspects allegedly worked for “Area”, while the remaining four were reportedly working for Mawain under the name Gravity Pillars Concept Ltd.Several items were recovered from the mining site, including one 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.Akintayo said the two alleged operators were currently at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest them.Related NewsWike, Okpebholo mourn as Edo PDP chieftain Orbih diesOkpebholo, Edo PDP, others mourn OrbihNSCDC arrests 19 suspected illegal miners in EdoHe said the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities and would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.The NSCDC commander said the operation formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and the exploitation of the state’s natural resources.“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,” he said.Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. Several items were recovered from the mining site, including one 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.Akintayo said the two alleged operators were currently at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest them.Related NewsWike, Okpebholo mourn as Edo PDP chieftain Orbih diesOkpebholo, Edo PDP, others mourn OrbihNSCDC arrests 19 suspected illegal miners in EdoHe said the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities and would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.The NSCDC commander said the operation formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and the exploitation of the state’s natural resources.“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,” he said.Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. Akintayo said the two alleged operators were currently at large, adding that efforts were ongoing to locate and arrest them.Related NewsWike, Okpebholo mourn as Edo PDP chieftain Orbih diesOkpebholo, Edo PDP, others mourn OrbihNSCDC arrests 19 suspected illegal miners in EdoHe said the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities and would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.The NSCDC commander said the operation formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and the exploitation of the state’s natural resources.“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,” he said.Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. He said the arrested suspects had made statements admitting their involvement in the alleged illegal mining activities and would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.The NSCDC commander said the operation formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and the exploitation of the state’s natural resources.“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,” he said.Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. The NSCDC commander said the operation formed part of the command’s ongoing efforts to tackle illegal mining and the exploitation of the state’s natural resources.“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,” he said.Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. “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,” he said.Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. Akintayo said he had directed the Mining Marshal Unit to intensify operations across the state and identify not only those working at illegal mining sites but also the financiers, sponsors and others benefiting from the activities.He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. He added, “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.”The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. The commander commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for providing logistics and other support to the command, saying the assistance had created an enabling environment for its officers to discharge their duties.He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. He also commended the officers who participated in the operation for their courage and commitment and urged members of the public to provide credible information that could assist the corps in tackling illegal mining.“The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added. “The NSCDC Edo State Command remains resolute. Illegal mining has no place in Edo State, and anyone found violating the law will be arrested and prosecuted accordingly,” Akintayo added.