Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has directed security agencies to intensify the crackdown on illegal mining across the state, declaring that anyone found engaging in the activity should face the full weight of the law, regardless of status or personal relationship.
The governor stated that illegal mining has become one of the major factors contributing to insecurity in Bauchi State and called for improved intelligence gathering, stronger inter-agency collaboration and greater cooperation with neighbouring states to curb the menace.
Governor Mohammed gave the directive while receiving the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, during a courtesy visit to the Government House in Bauchi.
He urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence operations and ensure that those involved in illegal mining are identified and prosecuted without bias.
The governor stressed that no individual should be treated as untouchable, stating that even members of his own family should face justice if found guilty of illegal mining activities.
Governor Mohammed also alleged that some influential individuals were benefiting from illegal mining due to the huge financial returns associated with the business, adding that such activities have continued to undermine peace and security efforts in parts of the state.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies by providing the necessary resources to enhance their operations.
The governor disclosed that part of the ₦3 billion security intervention fund recently released by the Federal Government to states would be used to procure operational vehicles for security agencies in Bauchi State.
Earlier, Major General Maxwell Dangana explained that his visit was part of an operational assessment of military formations under his command and an evaluation of the security situation across the region.
He appealed to the state government to sustain its support for military operations, particularly in addressing operational challenges in Alkaleri Local Government Area, where poor road infrastructure continues to hinder troop movement and emergency response.
In response, Governor Mohammed revealed that the road leading to Mansur Community, one of the areas affected by insecurity, had already been awarded for construction, expressing confidence that the project would improve accessibility and strengthen security operations.
The governor also called for the establishment of additional military formations in strategic locations, particularly around Azare and Tafawa Balewa, to improve security presence and enhance the military’s capacity to respond to emerging threats across the state.
