Troops of the Nigerian Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (NASEME) in Auchi, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, have arrested 58 suspected illegal miners.

The suspects were allegedly arrested at an illegal gold mining site in the Ososo area of Akoko-Edo LGA of the state.

Also, troops of the 4 Brigade, in collaboration with others, have rescued two female kidnapped victims in the same local government area.

The Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, in a statement made available to journalists yesterday, said the illegal mining suspects were arrested at about 1 p.m. on March 28, 2026, during a patrol conducted by the troops while acting on credible intelligence.

He said the operation forms part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining activities and other criminal enterprises within Edo State and its environs.

Anyanwu said the suspects have been handed over to the Okpella Police Division for further action.

It was gathered that the troops stormed the mining site and arrested the suspects without resistance.

Meanwhile, Captain Anyanwu said the mission, which freed the two female kidnapped victims, was undertaken by troops of the 4 Brigade, Benin-City, and other security agencies.

According to him, the female victims identified as Odio Momoh, 17, and Sonia Momoh, 23, were rescued in conjunction with NASEME, the Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Police Force, and local vigilantes.

He asserted that on March 27, the troops received a distress call on the kidnapping of the two girls from a house behind the fence of NASEME in Auchi, Edo State.

“Immediately, troops of 4 Brigade, in conjunction with troops of NASEME and vigilantes, initiated pursuit into the bush and towards the kidnappers.

“Consequently, on noticing that they were almost encircled, the criminals abandoned the victims and fled. The victims were rescued and subsequently reunited with their families,” he said.

The victims were said to have been rescued at about 8:30 p.m.

It was learnt that the joint security team trailed the kidnappers into the bush along their withdrawal route. It was also gathered that operatives are tracking down the fleeing suspects and are going to dismantle their criminal network in the area.