Twelve illegal miners engaged in illicit mining activities in Ondo State have been taken into custody by the Nigerian Army and the Joint Operation Task Force.
While briefing reporters on the development, the state governor’s senior special assistant on security, Olugbenga Atiba, stated that the twelve illegal miners were apprehended as part of proactive steps are being taken to reduce the threat of illicit mining and other security issues in the state.
According to Mr. Atiba, the task force was able to apprehend the illegal miners throughout the course of battling kidnapping activities within the State by acting upon reliable intelligence. He claims that as soon as these illicit activities were discovered, swift action was done. Conducting a reconnaissance to determine the location of these illicit miners was one of the first measures, he continued.
Water pollution, soil erosion, and deforestation are caused by uncontrolled mining operations. The health of miners is harmed by toxic material exposure and unfavourable working circumstances. Illegal mining keeps people in poverty and costs the government money. It makes groups move, upsetting social and cultural norms.
