Bauchi: Gov Bala orders crackdown, prosecution of illegal miners

Bauchi State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, on Tuesday, gave unequivocal approval for the crackdown and eventual prosecution of anyone implicated and found involved in illegal mining activities across the state.

The Governor gave the directive to security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, declaring that nobody should be spared no matter the societal status of such a person, even including his own son, because, according to him, “no individual is above the law.”

The Governor made the declaration while receiving the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos, Major General WM Dangana, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Bauchi.

Bala Mohammed said his administration remains committed to enforcing the rule of law and combating all forms of criminality across the state.

According to him, “If my son or any other person related to me was found guilty of illegal mining, the law should take its full course. Nobody should be spared.”

He commended the Nigerian Army for its swift response to recent security breaches in Alkaleri Local Government Area, describing the military’s intervention as timely and reassuring.

According to him, the prompt deployment of troops has restored public confidence and demonstrated the government’s determination not to allow criminals to gain a foothold in the state.

The Governor expressed confidence in the capacity of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to tackle insecurity, pledging his administration’s continued support for efforts aimed at protecting lives and property.

Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed further urged the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army to champion inter-state military collaboration by intensifying joint operations along the border corridors of the state.

The Governor noted that as Bauchi State shares vast borders with the states of Gombe, Taraba, Plateau, Jigawa, Kano, Kaduna and Yobe, there is a need for joint security operations so as to effectively neutralise the threats of banditry and dismantle illegal mining that has contributed to insecurity in rural areas.

He urged the Division, in particular, to deploy more actionable intelligence, increase rural patrols, and launch decisive security operations, saying Bauchi State has absolute confidence in the capacity of the Nigerian Army towards achieving the desired objectives.

According to him, “For us in Bauchi State, security is the foundation of all development. We do not just give verbal support, we match our words with concrete action. Through our Ministry of Internal Security, we will continue to provide the necessary logistical backing to troops.”

He stressed that, “We are committed to improving the operational welfare of our soldiers. This includes the provision of operational support and the immediate improvement of infrastructure to ensure your men operate under dignified conditions.”

“Specifically, we have invested heavily to provide a Joint Task Force Base in Mansur, the epicentre of the crisis in Alkaleri Local Government, which is at an advanced stage of completion. Furthermore, we have provided state-of-the-art technology-based tracking equipment to assist the security agencies. As a result of these initiatives, our people who had earlier been dislodged have returned to their homes and farms,” he added.

The Governor used the medium to once again express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Adviser and the Military High Command for their prompt response to the recent security breaches in Alkaleri Local Government Area of the state.

He described the prompt response as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens and assured of his administration’s collaboration for better service delivery.

On his part, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Maxwell Dangala, said the visit was to identify areas of improved collaboration for the maintenance of peace and security across the state.

General Dangala then appreciated Governor Bala Mohammed for his support to the Nigerian Army to discharge its assigned responsibilities effectively and promised the Army’s unwavering commitment to working with critical stakeholders to tackle the numerous security challenges facing the country.

Earlier, Major General Dangana said his visit was part of efforts to review ongoing security operations and strengthen collaboration between the Nigerian Army and the Bauchi State Government in addressing emerging security challenges.

He commended Governor Mohammed for the consistent support his administration has provided to the military, describing it as critical to the success of ongoing operations in the state.

The GOC also praised the ongoing construction of the Mansur Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area, saying the project would improve troop mobility and facilitate rapid response to security emergencies in vulnerable communities.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to sustaining operations aimed at ensuring lasting peace and security in Bauchi State and across the country.