The Edo State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested twelve persons for allegedly being in possession of large quantities of suspected illegally mined products.
The arrested persons who were drivers of four trailer trucks and their assistants were transporting the products to Port Harcourt from Kaduna and Plateau States when they were intercepted at Igbanke in Orhiomwon local government area of Edo state.
Edo State Commandant of the NSCDC Samuel Dan while parading the twelve Suspects at the command’s headquarters in Benin city, describes illegal mining as an economic sabotage that attracts punitive actions under relevant laws of the country.
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He said operatives of the NSCDC who had the mandate to protect critical government assets intercepted the four trucks packed full with coal and Ironsand used in steel production without any form of documentation and mining operating license.
The suspects in their narration claimed to have been contracted to convey the product to a given destination and location even though they could not produce any document to verify their claims.
The trucks have since been impounded by the command for further investigation.
(EDITOR: TIENABESO BIBIYE)
