Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, has apprehended five persons for allegedly engaging in illegal mining in the state.

The comma also nabbed one person alleged stealing.

The state NSCDC Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo, while parading the suspects on Tuesday in Osogbo, said the suspected illegal miners were arrested on November 8 in Ilesa.

Mr Sotiyo said that the mines and steel unit of the corps arrested the suspects at a mining site in the town.

He said that a discreet investigation revealed that the suspects, who were from Kano State, carried out the mining activities without a mining licence.

The commandant said that the acts of the suspects contravened Section 2 of the Minerals and Mining Act. 2007.

According to him, the act states that “No person shall engage in mining activities without a valid mining lease or permit.’’

Mr Sotiyo added that section 46 of the same Act also states that “any person who contravenes the provisions of this act commits an offence and is liable.”

Besides, Mr Sotiyo said that his men also arrested one Akeju Abiodun, 34, for stealing.

He said that the suspect, a male, was arrested in Ijebu-Ijesa town.

The commandant said the suspect stole N220,000 from the shop of one Hammed inside the market within the town on November  4.

He, however, said that the suspect was arrested on November 11 while attempting to steal a bag from another woman in the same market.

Mr Sotiyo said that the suspect made a confessional statement regarding the crime.

He said that after discreet investigation, the suspect was also arrested with a 26-inch mattress, a plasma television, furniture cabinet and two android phones, among other items.

The commandant said that the suspects would be prosecuted at the end of ongoing investigation by the corps.

He stated, “I also want to use this medium to inform the good people of Osun that security is everybody’s business. We solicit proactive intelligence that can nip crime and criminality in the bud so as to serve you better.’’

(NAN)