By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Lokoja
Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja, have arrested two persons allegedly transporting mining equipment suspected to be destined for illegal mining activities in Kogi State.
The suspects were arrested after troops intercepted a vehicle conveying the equipment between Giriya in Kogi Local Government Area and Agbaja in Lokoja Local Government Area.
The operation followed intelligence on the movement of the equipment, a source from the command said.
Items recovered include a Hiace bus, shovels, petrol pump, head pans and other equipment believed to be intended for mining activities.
The recovered items were handed over at the headquarters of the 12 Brigade on Monday to the State Security Adviser, Commander Jerry Omodara (rtd).
Omodara said the interception and arrest followed credible intelligence and demonstrated the importance of intelligence-led operations in tackling criminal activities.
He warned that unchecked illegal mining could create security risks by opening up remote forest locations to criminal elements.
The Security Adviser said security agencies had been directed to sustain operations against illegal activities across the state, while urging residents to provide useful information that could assist security agencies.
He also commended the 12 Brigade for the interception and arrest of the suspects.
The two suspects and the recovered items are expected to form part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged illegal mining operation.
