A combined team of security task force has apprehended 12 suspects for alleged involvement in illegal mining operations in Ondo state.

The suspects include Abdullahi Ibrahim, 40; Hassan Bala, 40; Alawude Damilarin, Ajayi Ebukun, 35; Oluwaseun Rufus, 34; Adebayo James, 25; Kamal Zaharadeen, 25.

Others are Mohammed Bello Lawal, 25; Yunusa Mohammed, 24; Ma’azu Auwal, 24; Bashir Muktar, 24; Kabiru Sani, 21.

The suspects were arrested during a joint operation with the men of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigeria Army in the state.

Olugbenga Atiba, an aide on Security Matters to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, announced the arrest of the suspects at a parade before journalists in Akure, the state capital on Thursday.

Mr Atiba said the suspects, who were nabbed following credible intelligence, invaded the three senatorial districts of Ondo State from Niger and Zamfara states.

He said, “We had our men deployed across the three senatorial districts of Ondo, penetrating deep into the jungles to prevent kidnapping and make arrests where possible. We know the destruction that has been caused in Niger State by these illegal miners. The kingpins are from Niger and Zamfara. Upon discovering these illegal activities, immediate actions were taken. One of the first steps was conducting a reconnaissance to establish the presence of these illegal miners. We have now stationed security men throughout the state, carrying out their duties diligently.’’

According to Mr Atiba, the state has also identified individuals, including the leaders involved in the illegal mining activities and causing problems for the government.

He added that the state government was addressing the menace through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The state Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Rasaq Obe, said that there was an existing federal law governing mining activities across in the country through the mining Act 2007

Mr Obe explained that mining was within the purview of the federal government, but the state has the responsibility to ensure that any activity, be it mining or oil and gas, is controlled to protect the environment.

“We periodically conduct inspections, employing law enforcement agencies to ensure that illegal activities are promptly addressed, and culprits are brought to book. Security is a major concern. Illegal miners, often from other countries, operate without licence, leading to environmental degradation and increased security threats.” he said.