Kogi Govt Comends Arrest Of Eight Suspected Illegal Minners

The Kogi State Government has commended the troops of the Nigerian Army for the arrest of eight suspected illegal miners and the recovery of mining equipment in an operation around the Girinya Community Local Jetty and the Agbaja/Kakanda forest axis of Lokoja Local Government Area of the state.

The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, who gave the commendation in a statement on Saturday, described the operation as another demonstration of the commitment of the security agencies to protecting the state from activities capable of undermining its security, economy and environment.

Fanwo said the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence on the movement of suspected illegal miners and equipment from Girinya towards the Agbaja/Kakanda forest for alleged illegal mining activities.

He commended the troops of the 12 Brigade Nigerian Army for their swift response, noting that the arrest and recovery of the mining equipment would help to strengthen efforts to check illegal mining activities across the state.

According to him, the Kogi State Government remains concerned about the activities of illegal miners who exploit the state’s mineral resources without authorisation and, in the process, pose risks to the environment, public safety and the orderly development of the mining sector.

The Commissioner said the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo would continue to support legitimate mining activities that create jobs, generate revenue and contribute to economic development, while ensuring that those operating outside the law are brought to justice.

He urged residents and communities across the state to continue to provide credible information to security agencies on suspicious movements and activities, stressing that community intelligence remains important to sustaining peace and security.

Fanwo assured the people of Kogi State that the government would continue to work closely with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to protect lives, secure communities and safeguard the state’s natural resources.

He further called on those engaged in illegal mining to desist from the practice and embrace lawful mining operations in line with the regulations governing the sector.

The eight suspects and the recovered equipment are currently in the custody of the security authorities for further investigation and appropriate action.