Seventeen illegal miners have been arrested in Kogi State by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Spokesman of NSCDC, Afolabi Babawale confirmed the arrest of the suspects in a statement issued on Wednesday.
He said three trucks and 39 motorcycles being used by the suspects for illegal mining activities were impounded during the raid.
According to Babawale, the illegal miners were arrested in a coordinated operation against illegal mining activities in Kogi State.
The operation was carried out by the NSCDC Mining Marshals at Odiagbo-Okaba community in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State.
The Mining Marshals swooped on the sites following growing complaints from residents over environmental degradation and public health risks.
The statement said the
crackdown in Kogi was led by the Assistant Commandant of Corps, John Attah.
The Commandant General of NSCDC, Ahmed Audi reiterated the Corps’ commitment to curb economic sabotage and protect national assets. (vitalnewsngr.com)
