NSCDC arrest 10 illegal miners of precious stones, others in Zamfara

Ten illegal Miners have been arrested and ten bags of precious stones were intercepted by the anti-minning strike force of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp in Zamfara.

The Suspects were arrested in two Mining sites in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.

Spokesperson of the NSCDC in the state said two personnel of the Corps were also injured by the local guards hired by the Miners

The insecurity bedeviling Communities in Zamfara State has been linked to the activities of illegal Mining which has prompted the federal government to ban all mining activities in the state for about two years now.

But despite the ban, many in the State and environ still engage in illegal mining, especially in the rural areas.

The NSCDC in Zamfara says it has been monitoring the activities of illegal miners across the state and their scrutiny led to the arrest of some illegal miners

” Our men stormed two mining sites in Mutusgi village and a good number of illegal miners were busy mining. On sitting the troops many of them fled and abandoned their tools” Ikor Oche said.

Precious stones, one locally made gun, and some working tools were Recovered from the miners

“We intercepted ten bags of Precious Stones, working tools, and one dane gun belonging to the miner’s private security guards” he added.

Two personnel of the NSCDC according to Ikor Oche were injured in the process of the invation.

“Two of our men got injured while trying to arrest the suspects. They were pelted with stones and knifes used by the private guards of the illegal miners”

” As we speak, they have been treated and are in stable condition,” He said.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps warn those engaged in minning activities to desist from the practice as the federal government ban is still in force.

The Corp said anyone caught in the act will be made to face the full wrath of the Law.