EFCC arrests three suspected illegal gold miners in Borno State over unlawful mining, environmental damage, and insecurity

Operatives of the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested three men suspected of illegal gold mining in Borno State.

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The arrests took place in Mallam Jakwa town, Hawul Local Government Area, following actionable intelligence on their mining operations.

The suspects, identified as Umar Muhammad, Modu Bamai Umar, and Sani Samaila, were apprehended for engaging in unlawful mining activities that the EFCC said were contributing to insecurity and environmental degradation in the area.

Items recovered from the suspects included a small gold measuring machine and quantities of mined gold, underscoring the scale of the illegal operations.

“Their suspected illegal mining activities are worsening insecurity and environmental degradation in the state,” the EFCC stated.

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The commission confirmed that the suspects would be prosecuted upon the conclusion of investigations, emphasising its commitment to tackling unlawful mining and related crimes.