No fewer than 12 persons were on Thursday arrested by men of the Ondo State Security Task Force and the Nigerian Army over their alleged involvement in illegal mining in the state.

The Senior Special Assistant on Security to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Mr. Olugbenga Atiba, disclosed that the arrest was made possible with the collaboration of other security agencies following the determination to rid the state of criminals stealing solid minerals.

Atiba, revealed this during the parade of the arrested suspects at the Barracks of the 32 Artillery Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Akure.

According to him, the illegal miners were caught by the task force following after receiving an intel on kidnapping activities in the state.

“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. We have also identified some individuals, including some local leaders, who are involved in these activities and causing problems. However, at the state government level, we are addressing this through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.”