The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), Zamfara Command, has seized nine bags containing 450kgs of precious stones from illegal miners.

The command also said it impounded eight motorcycles, seized a den gun, as well as arrested 10 suspects.

The command’s spokesperson, Mr Ikor Oche, made this known during a news conference in Gusau on Wednesday.

Oche said: ”Acting on intelligence, the command deployed a team of personnel to the site of illegal mining and the centre at which mining products were processed to finished goods.

”Seven out of the suspects were arrested at the mining centre, while the other three were arrested at the processing centre both located at Matusgi area of Talata Mafara Local Government Area of the state.”

 

He maintained that two of the personnel wounded during the operation are currently responding to treatment at their homes.

”The order prohibiting mining activities in the state is still in force.

”Therefore, any person found in the act of mining will be decisively dealt with,” he warned.

Oche, therefore, advised the public to stay away from illegal mining as the command was enforcing the ban order and ready to deal with any violator henceforth.