Security authorities in Kogi State have reported the arrest of 14 suspected illegal miners in separate operations involving troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade.

The arrests were reportedly carried out in two phases, with eight suspects apprehended during an earlier operation and another six taken into custody in a subsequent operation.

The development comes amid increased security operations against unauthorised mining in parts of Kogi State, where authorities have linked illegal mining to environmental concerns and wider security challenges.

The State Security Adviser, retired Navy Commander Jerry Omodara, reportedly disclosed the latest figures while the suspects were being paraded in Lokoja.

According to the report, Omodara said the eight suspects arrested during the earlier operation had been transferred to the Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), with the cases subsequently taken to court.

The latest claim follows a separate operation reported on October 3, when Kogi State authorities confirmed that eight suspected illegal miners had been arrested around Girinya Community Local Jetty and the Agbaja/Kakanda forest axis of Lokoja. The arrests were attributed to troops of the 12 Brigade acting on intelligence concerning the movement of suspected miners and mining equipment.

Earlier in September, the Army also intercepted mining equipment allegedly being transported towards Agbaja and arrested two drivers. Items reportedly recovered during that operation included a Hiace bus, shovels, a petrol pump, head pans and other equipment believed to be connected with mining activities.

The repeated operations indicate an intensified effort by state authorities and security agencies to restrict unauthorised mining activities in areas considered vulnerable.

Omodara reportedly commended personnel of the 12 Brigade for their continued operations and urged security agencies to sustain efforts aimed at protecting residents and property.

He also warned transport operators and motor park officials to pay closer attention to the passengers and cargo being conveyed through the state.

According to the report, he cautioned that vehicles found transporting prohibited items could face seizure, while traditional rulers were also urged not to provide protection or shelter for individuals involved in illegal mining.

The Security Adviser described illegal mining as a potential contributor to insecurity, particularly where mining activities take place in remote areas that can be difficult for authorities to monitor.

The state government has previously said it supports legitimate mining activities that comply with regulations while opposing unauthorised exploitation of mineral resources. In October, Commissioner for Information and Communications Kingsley Fanwo commended the Army following the arrest of eight suspected illegal miners and urged communities to provide credible information to security agencies.

The NSCDC has also been involved in Nigeria's wider crackdown on illegal mining. Nationally, the corps said in July that its Mining Marshals had arrested hundreds of suspected illegal miners and taken many cases to the Federal High Court.

The latest reported arrests therefore form part of a broader security and regulatory effort to address unauthorised mining and protect mineral resources.

However, being arrested or paraded as a suspect does not amount to a finding of guilt. Any criminal liability will depend on the outcome of investigations and the courts.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia