The Edo State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested four suspected illegal gold miners in Edo.

The commandant of the corps in Edo, Aniekan Udoeyop, made the disclosure while briefing journalists in his office in Benin on Saturday.

Mr Udoeyop disclosed that the suspects, who hailed from Kogi, Kebbi, Taraba and the Federal Capital Territory were arrested on December 7.

He said that the suspects were caught by NSCDC operatives in conjunction with local vigilante groups at Damgbala community in the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state.

Mined substances suspected to be raw gold, shovels, head pans, diggers and clothes, among others were recovered from the suspects.

The commandant said that the suspects had contravened the Edo Government law banning mining, and that they will face the full wrath of the law, to serve as deterrent to others. 

He explained that the Edo Government banned mining in Damgbala community, following what he described as influx of foreigners into the community and incidences bordering on insecurity. 

The suspects confessed and disclosed that they always had ready buyers at the neighbouring town of Ojirame whom they sell the products to. 

(NAN)