- Security Adviser cautions motor park officials to strictly monitor the passengers and cargo they transport
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested 14 suspected illegal miners in Kogi State as part of ongoing operations to curb criminality and illegal mining activities in the state.
The suspects were apprehended in two separate operations, with eight arrested last week and an additional six nabbed on Monday.
Disclosing this during the parading of the suspects in Lokoja, the State Security Adviser, Navy Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd), stated that the eight suspects initially arrested have already been handed over to the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and subsequently charged to court.
Commander Omodara commended the officers and men of the 12 Brigade for their dedication and continued contributions to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
Issuing a stern warning to transport operators, the Security Adviser cautioned motor park officials to strictly monitor the passengers and cargo they transport, emphasizing that any vehicle found conveying contraband items within Kogi State will be impounded.
He further warned traditional rulers against harboring illegal miners in their domains, stressing that the state government remains resolute in its fight against insecurity and will not tolerate any compromised traditional leadership.
Describing illegal mining as a major catalyst for insecurity in the region, Commander Omodara reaffirmed that the state security apparatus will not allow illicit operations to thrive. He assured residents that the government will continue to strengthen its security architecture to ensure citizens can go about their daily lives safely.
Corroborating the Security Adviser’s stance, the Commandant of the Kogi State Command of the NSCDC, Olumide Aletan, gave assurances that the newly apprehended suspects will undergo thorough investigation and face full prosecution in accordance with the law.
