In a decisive effort to safeguard community health and environmental standards, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), through its Special Mining Marshals, has dismantled a major illegal mining network in the Odagbo-Okaba axis of Ankpa Local Government Area, Kogi State.
The enforcement operation, spearheaded by Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, led to the arrest of 17 individuals, the impoundment of three trucks, and the confiscation of 39 motorcycles used in the unlawful mining activities. This action follows repeated complaints from residents about the environmental damage and health hazards associated with unchecked mining in the area.
“Communities deserve good health before any form of mining activity. Part of our mandate is to enforce compliance with safety standards to prevent environmental degradation that disrupts livelihoods and endangers ecosystems,” said ACC Attah, underlining the Corps’ commitment to community welfare and regulatory enforcement.
Industry observers have praised the clampdown as a much-needed intervention in Kogi State’s increasingly chaotic mining environment. Known for its rich deposits of strategic minerals, the state has struggled with a surge in informal mining operations, many of which pose serious environmental and social risks.
The operation also aligns with the Kogi State government’s drive to promote safe and regulated mining practices. Authorities say the crackdown reflects improved coordination between security forces and environmental agencies working to curb illegal extraction and enforce mining regulations.
The state’s renewed focus on responsible mining mirrors a broader national push to formalise Nigeria’s artisanal mining sector, prioritising ecosystem preservation and the protection of host communities.
As enforcement gains momentum, stakeholders believe the NSCDC’s action will resonate across other mining corridors in the region, delivering a strong message to illegal operators that “non-compliance will no longer be tolerated.”
