NSCDC arrests 15 illegal miners Edo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Edo State has arrested 15 suspects for allegedly engaging in illegal solid mineral mining.
According to the State Commandant, Gbenga Agun, the suspects were apprehended on January 27 at an unapproved gold-mining site in the Ode Forest, located in the Egbetua Community, Akoko‑Edo Local Government Area.
Agun emphasised that one of the NSCDC’s core responsibilities is “to protect … solid minerals deposits” across the country, adding that the corps would not tolerate unlawful mining operations.
According to local reports, the gold mining site in Ode Forest had been operating illicitly for years. Residents in the community have previously raised concerns about environmental degradation and insecurity tied to these illegal operations.
The NSCDC’s Edo command has issued a warning to others involved in unlicensed mining to stop their activities, vowing to flush out criminal elements in the sector.
This crackdown aligns with Edo State Government’s recent efforts. In May 2025, the state inaugurated a task force, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals, to tackle illegal mining and ensure compliance with legal mining practices.
