The Ondo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested seven suspects for alleged illegal blasting involving explosives in Akure, the state capital.
The command’s spokesman, Daniel Aidamenbor, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the suspects were apprehended during a coordinated operation carried out by operatives of the Mines and Steel Unit of the corps.
He said the operation was conducted in collaboration with officials of the Federal Ministry of Mines led by Mayowa Omosebi, following credible intelligence on unlawful blasting activities in the state.
Aidamenbor explained that the suspects were arrested at the Agbogbo area along the Ilesa-Akure-Owo Expressway in Akure.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects engaged in blasting activities without obtaining the necessary permits from relevant authorities.
The suspects were identified as Ifaronuwo Gboyega, 47, from Osun State; Adesina Kayode, 32, from Ondo State; Oluwasusi Ayomidele, 32, from Ekiti State; Durojaye Temitope, 43, from Ekiti State; Abayomi Oke, 28, from Ekiti State; Sakariyau Olawole, 29, from Ondo State; and Sikiru Kazeem, 39, also from Ondo State.
The NSCDC spokesman said the arrest reflected the growing collaboration between security agencies and stakeholders in the mining sector, which had improved intelligence sharing and rapid response to illegal activities.
“This operation further underscores the strong and effective collaboration between the command and relevant stakeholders in the mining sector within the state. The synergy has significantly enhanced intelligence sharing and enabled rapid intervention in critical situations,” he said.
Aidamenbor added that the command remained committed to safeguarding lives and property and would continue to work with relevant agencies to tackle illegal mining, unlawful blasting activities and related crimes across the state.
