The operatives gathered that the actual kingpins of illegal mining in the state hail from Niger and Zamfara states.
Those arrested were Abdullahi Ibrahim, aged 40, Hassan Bala, aged 40, and Alawude Damilarin, aged 36. Others are Ajayi Ebukun, Oluwaseun Rufus, Adebayo James, Kamal Zaharadeen, Mohammed Bello Lawal, Yunusa Mohammed, Ma’azu Auwal, Bashir Muktar and Kabiru Sani.
Senior Special Assistant on Security to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Mr. Olugbenga Atiba, who spoke when the suspects were paraded, said the arrest was part of measures being implemented to curb illegal mining and other security challenges in the state.
Atiba said the illegal miners were arrested based on credible intelligence.
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.
“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.”
Ondo Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Razaq Obe, called for mining stewardship not to be on the exclusive list.
