By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor in Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Troops of the Nigerian Army have intensified the crackdown on illegal mining activities in Kogi State, arresting several suspected illegal miners and intercepting mining equipment allegedly being moved to illegal mining sites in parts of the state.

The operation, carried out by troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, followed credible intelligence on the movement of suspected illegal miners and mining equipment around the Girinya Community Local Jetty and the Agbaja/Kakanda forest axis of Lokoja Local Government Area. Security sources said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the state’s mineral resources from economic saboteurs.

During the operation, troops intercepted and recovered various mining equipment believed to have been intended for illegal mining activities. Security authorities disclosed that the suspects were apprehended while attempting to move the equipment into forest locations where unlawful mining operations were allegedly being planned. Recovered items reportedly included mining machines, pumping equipment, pressure pipes, diesel engine components, shovels, head pans, sieving materials and a commercial vehicle allegedly used for transporting the equipment.

Investigators believe the equipment was being moved from outside the state to facilitate unauthorised mining activities in remote forest areas. Kogi State authorities commended the Nigerian Army for the operation, describing it as a significant step towards combating illegal mining and associated criminal activities.

The state government noted that illegal mining poses serious environmental, economic and security challenges, including the destruction of farmlands, pollution of water sources and loss of government revenue. Officials further warned that illegal mining has increasingly become a security concern, as criminal elements often exploit remote mining locations as operational bases.

The government stressed that unchecked illegal mining could fuel insecurity while depriving legitimate operators and host communities of the benefits associated with lawful mining activities.

The latest arrests come amid growing concerns over illegal mining operations across Kogi State. The Federal Government has repeatedly identified Kogi as one of the states where illegal mining activities have caused extensive environmental degradation and economic losses. Authorities have therefore stepped up surveillance and enforcement measures to dismantle illegal mining networks operating within the state.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, recently expressed concern over the activities of illegal miners in Kogi and called on community leaders and stakeholders to support government efforts aimed at eliminating illegal mining and restoring order to the sector. According to the ministry, hundreds of illegal mining sites have been identified nationwide, with numerous suspects arrested and prosecuted through the activities of security agencies and the Mining Marshals. Security authorities said the suspects arrested in the Kogi operation remain in custody for further investigation, while efforts are ongoing to identify other individuals connected with the illegal mining network. Additional operations are expected as security agencies intensify efforts to secure the nation’s solid mineral resources and prevent criminal exploitation of mining sites.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts against economic sabotage and other crimes, urging residents to continue providing credible intelligence that could assist security agencies in identifying and dismantling illegal mining syndicates operating across the state. The operation is expected to further strengthen ongoing collaborations among the military, security agencies and relevant government institutions in the fight against illegal mining, environmental degradation and other threats to national security.