NSCDC arrests seven over illegal mining in Ondo
By Boye Oyeyemi
Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps have arrested seven suspected illegal miners for allegedly carrying out unauthorised blasting activities with explosives in Akure, the Ondo State capital.
The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation by the command’s Mines and Steel Unit and officials of the Federal Ministry of Mines at Agbogbo area along the Ilesa-Akure-Owo Expressway.
The development was disclosed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Daniel Aidamenbor, in a statement issued on Thursday on behalf of the State Commandant, Oluyemi Ibiloye.
According to the statement, the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence linking them to illegal blasting operations carried out without the required permits and authorisation contrary to mining and explosives regulations.
Aidamenbor further revealed that all the suspects, who are residents of Akure and indigenes of different states, were allegedly involved in unlawful use of explosives.
“The successful operation further demonstrates the strong collaboration between the NSCDC and relevant stakeholders in the mining sector, particularly in intelligence sharing and rapid response to security threats,” he stated.
The command equally reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, warning that it would continue to clamp down on illegal mining, unlawful blasting activities and other criminal acts across the state.
