The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced a plan to set up a task force to tackle illegal miners across the 16 local government areas of Kwara State.
The zonal commander of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe, made this known on Friday when he played host to the permanent secretary, Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, in the state, Mr Musa Olarewaju.
Nzekwe said the EFCC would prosecute suspects arrested by the task force, which would comprise of representatives of all law enforcement agencies in the state.
He said that the first task of the committee would be to meet with all the stakeholders to get support for the fight against illegal mining in the state.
He disclosed that the Ilorin zonal command of the EFCC within the last one year had secured the conviction of five illegal mining operators, aside the huge amount of monies recovered from the sector, adding that the commission will not be weary in bringing the perpetrators to justice.
Earlier, the permanent secretary, Mr Musa Olarewaju, had expressed the support of the state government for the anti-graft agency’s fight against illegal miners in the state.
He said the EFCC’s fight against the illegal mining operators deserves the support and commendation of all citizens.
Olarewaju urged the anti-graft agency not to be deterred by the antics of some corrupt individuals who are benefiting from the illegal operation, as corruption would always fight back.
He said that the state government was solidly behind EFCC in its efforts to rid the state of illegal miners who are operating at different locations across the 16 local government areas of the state.
“We are following your activities closely, especially the latest arrest of some Chinese nationals over alleged illegal mining in the state. The Chinese has a company in Olayinka, Ifelodun local government area of Kwara State. When I visited the place, I almost shed tears. The place is not developed, the roads there are not motorable and yet the company is not paying royalty to the government,” Olarewaju said.
He disclosed that no fewer than 230 mining operators are in the state, adding that none of them had come forward to revalidate their license.
He added that, “we have called them now to come to the ministry to bring their documents for regularization and revalidation.”
