Army intercepts illegal mining equipment in Kogi, two drivers arrested

The Kogi State Government has commended the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for intercepting mining equipment allegedly destined for illegal mining activities in the state and arresting two drivers transporting the items.

The commendation was made by the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd.), while receiving the recovered equipment at the headquarters of the 12 Brigade. Omodara said the state government would continue to strengthen its collaboration with the military and other security agencies to combat criminal activities across the state.

According to him, the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence that they were conveying the equipment through Giriya in Kogi Local Government Area towards Agbaja in Lokoja Local Government Area.

He warned that illegal mining activities could worsen insecurity by providing criminal elements with access to remote forest locations.

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Omodara said the successful interception demonstrated the effectiveness of intelligence-led security operations in the state, adding that security agencies had been directed to sustain the ongoing crackdown on criminal activities.

He also urged residents to provide useful information to security agencies to enable them pto revent crimes before they occur.

Items recovered from the suspects included a Hiace bus, shovels, a petrol pump, head pans and other equipment believed to be intended for mining operations.

The development, he said, underscored the state government’s determination to prevent illegal mining and other activities capable of threatening the security and economic wellbeing of Kogi State.