Security operatives have arrested 14 suspected illegal miners in two separate operations in Kogi State as authorities intensify efforts to combat illicit mining and related criminal activities.
Eight suspects were arrested last week, while six others were apprehended on Monday, bringing the total number of arrests to 14. The State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (retd.), disclosed this while parading the suspects in Lokoja.
Omodara said the operations formed part of ongoing efforts by the state government and security agencies to curb criminality and illegal mining across Kogi. He explained that the eight suspects arrested during the earlier operation were being prosecuted by the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The security adviser commended officers and personnel of the 12 Brigade for their efforts in protecting lives and property across the state. He also urged motor park officials to improve checks on passengers and cargo passing through their facilities. According to Omodara, vehicles discovered transporting contraband would be impounded. He stressed that transport operators must ensure their facilities were not used to support criminal activities.
The security adviser further called on traditional rulers to stop harbouring illegal miners in their communities. He warned that the state government would not tolerate traditional rulers who permit illicit mining in their domains or undermine security operations.
Omodara described illegal mining as a major contributor to insecurity and reaffirmed the government’s determination to prevent the activity from taking root in Kogi State. The Kogi State NSCDC Commandant, Olumide Aletan, said the newly arrested suspects would undergo thorough investigations before being prosecuted in line with the law.
The arrests come as security agencies continue to associate illegal mining with broader security challenges, including the movement of criminal groups and the unlawful exploitation of natural resources.
