The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps seized several trucks and arrested 17 people in a concerted effort to stop illagal mining in Kogi State.
The NSCDC Mining Marshals conducted the operation in the Ankpa Local Government Area’s Odiagbo-Okaba district.
Afolabi Babawale, the spokesperson for the NSCDC, issued a statement on Wednesday stating that 39 motorbikes and three trucks that were allegedly utilised for illicit mining were seized during the operation.
The crackdown came when locals began to complain more and more about the region’s alleged unapproved mining-related environmental damage and public health risks.
The NSCDC Mining Marshal initiative, a joint effort between the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Ministry of Interior, was established to enforce mining laws, curb illegal operations, and protect the country’s mineral resources.
The statement noted that Assistant Commandant of Corps, John Attah, led the recent operation.
NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to combating the economic sabotage posed by illegal mining and pledged continued efforts to safeguard national assets.
“The recent crackdown in Kogi was led by the Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah and resulted in the arrest of 17 suspects.
“Three trucks were also impounded, and 39 motorbikes used for the illicit business were also confiscated.
“The raid was a result of complaints from local residents over environmental degradation and public health threats allegedly linked to the illegal and unregulated mining activities.
“The Commandant General of the NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, 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 statement read.
