The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) recently made an important arrest in Abuja. They caught 51 people they believe were illegally mining, and three others suspected of vandalizing telecommunication equipment.
The NSCDC Commandant in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olusola Odumosu, shared this news with reporters at the command’s headquarters.
According to Odumosu, the three suspected vandals were caught thanks to the intelligence and undercover work of NSCDC operatives, following a tip-off in the Giri area.
These suspects couldn’t provide any paperwork proving they were allowed to be where they were or working for any legitimate company.
Further questioning revealed that they had been paid a large sum of money in advance, raising suspicions of planned vandalism.
The NSCDC is now investigating their involvement and the ownership of the equipment they were tampering with.
As for the 51 suspected illegal miners, they were nabbed in the Gwagwalada area. These individuals were looked into, and it was found that they didn’t have any proof of being part of a registered company or having the necessary licenses for mining.
The NSCDC emphasized the harmful effects of illegal mining on the environment, such as soil degradation and erosion, which make the land unsuitable for farming and other activities.
Various items were confiscated from the 54 suspects, including parts of dismantled metal masts, pumping machines, a substance believed to be gold dust, fuel, shovels, diggers, and head-pans.
All of these items were seized as evidence. The suspects will face legal action, as they’ll be taken to court for further proceedings.
