Army Arrests 14 Illegal Miners in Kogi

By Emmanuel Oluwakorede

The Nigerian Army, 12 Brigade, has arrested 14 suspected illegal miners in Kogi State as part of efforts to curb insecurity linked to illegal mining activities.

Eight of the suspects were arrested last week, while six others were apprehended on Monday.

The State Security Adviser, retired Commander Jerry Omodara, disclosed this while parading the suspects in Lokoja.

Omodara said the eight suspects arrested last week had been handed over to the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for prosecution.

He commended the officers and men of the Nigerian Army for their contribution to protecting lives and property in the state.

The security adviser warned transport operators against conveying passengers involved in the movement of contraband, saying any vehicle caught transporting such items would be confiscated.

He also cautioned traditional rulers against harbouring illegal miners in their communities, stressing that the state government would not allow activities capable of threatening security to thrive.

Omodara described illegal mining as a major driver of insecurity and said the state security apparatus would continue to strengthen its security architecture to protect residents.

The NSCDC Commandant in Kogi State, Olumide Aletan, assured that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.