Seventeen individuals involved in illegal mining operations have been apprehended by the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the Odiagbo-Okaba District of Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State. The crackdown also led to the seizure of three trucks used for transporting illegally mined minerals.
The operation, which dismantled the illegal mining sites run by a syndicate, was carried out in partnership with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, led by Dr Dele Alake.
NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi praised the close collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Ministry of Interior, describing it as instrumental in empowering the corps to effectively disrupt and dismantle operations linked to the theft of solid minerals.
In a statement, Afolabi reaffirmed the NSCDC’s mandate to enforce mining laws, tackle illegal mining activities, and protect Nigeria’s solid mineral resources. He noted that the Kogi raid, led by Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, culminated in the arrest of 17 suspects.
In addition to the three impounded trucks, authorities also confiscated 39 motorcycles allegedly used in the illicit operations. The intervention was prompted by complaints from local residents concerning environmental damage, health risks, and other adverse effects of unregulated mining activities in the area.
Afolabi also reiterated the commitment of the NSCDC Commandant General, Dr Ahmed Audi, to supporting the Federal Government’s broader efforts to safeguard mining sites across the country.