The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested 17 suspects in connection with illegal mining activities in the Odiagbo-Okaba area of Ankpa Local Government, Kogi State.
The arrests were made during a special operation led by the NSCDC Mining Marshals, a unit set up to stop illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s mineral resources.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, said the officers also seized three trucks and 39 motorcycles allegedly used for the illegal mining operations.
“The recent crackdown in Kogi was led by the Assistant Commandant of Corps, John Attah, and resulted in the arrest of 17 suspects,” the statement read.
The action came after several complaints from local residents who raised alarm over the harmful effects of illegal mining on their environment and health.
According to Babawale, the mining activities were causing serious environmental damage, and the people living nearby were concerned about the health risks involved.
The NSCDC Mining Marshals is a joint effort between the Ministry of Interior and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. The unit was formed to help enforce the country’s mining laws and stop illegal miners from exploiting valuable resources.
NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, said the Corps would not stop fighting against economic sabotage and criminal activities affecting national assets.
He said, “The Commandant General has continued to reiterate the readiness of the NSCDC to take the battle to all the criminal elements that are fattening on the critical national assets of the country.”
The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to face legal action soon.
The NSCDC also assured the public that more operations will be carried out across Nigeria to ensure that the country’s natural resources are protected from illegal exploitation.
