Deal With Anyone Involved In Illegal Mining, Even My Son – Gov Bala To Army

Bauchi State governor, Bala Mohammed, has directed security agencies to deal with anyone involved in illegal mining, declaring that no individual should be shielded from justice, including his own son.

The governor said illegal mining, particularly in Alkaleri local government area and neighbouring communities, has become a major security threat, fuelling criminal activities and undermining peace and development in the state.

Speaking on Tuesday while receiving the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army, Jos and Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, at the Government House in Bauchi, Bala lamented that some influential individuals were involved in the illicit business because of its huge financial returns.

“I urge the security agencies to act professionally and without fear or favour. Nobody should be above the law. Even if my own son is found to be involved in illegal mining deal with him according to the law. We cannot afford to be complacent,” the governor declared.

He warned that bandits, illegal miners and other criminal elements operating along Bauchi’s border communities posed serious threats to lives, agriculture and economic development.

“We cannot ignore the growing threats posed by bandits, illegal miners and other criminal elements operating along our border communities. Their activities endanger innocent lives, displace farming communities and threaten food security and economic development,” he said.

Governor Bala commended the Nigerian Army and other security agencies for their swift response to the recent security breach in Alkaleri local government Area, describing the intervention as timely and reassuring.

He also appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for responding promptly to the state’s request for assistance, as well as the Chief of Army Staff and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for coordinating the security response.

“The rapid intervention restored confidence among our communities and sent a clear message to criminal elements that Bauchi State will never be a safe haven for them,” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s confidence in the professionalism and discipline of the Nigerian Army, saying the dedication and sacrifices of its personnel deserved commendation rather than criticism.

“You leave your families behind to protect ours, and for that, the government and people of Bauchi State remain profoundly grateful,” he said.

He called for stronger collaboration among the military, security agencies, local government councils, traditional institutions and community leaders to combat insecurity, particularly along border communities.

According to him, joint operations should be intensified to dismantle criminal networks involved in banditry, smuggling and illegal mining.

“The bandits continue to change their tactics, and we must remain ahead of them. We need stronger intelligence gathering, increased border patrols and well-coordinated operations against identified criminal hideouts. The Bauchi State Government will continue to provide the necessary support to facilitate these operations,” he added.

Governor Bala stressed that security remained the foundation of sustainable development, noting that the confidence shown by investors during the state’s recent investment summit was largely driven by the improving security environment.

“We cannot attract investments, expand agriculture or develop our economy if our people cannot safely access their farms and businesses. We must defeat these criminal elements so that our citizens can return to productive economic activities,” he said.

He assured that the state government would continue to support security agencies through the provision of operational vehicles, logistics and other critical infrastructure.

Earlier, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Jos and Commander, Operation Safe Haven/Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell Dangana, commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army.

The GOC appealed to the governor to facilitate the construction of the strategic road linking Mansur to Duguri in Alkaleri Local Government Area, saying the project would significantly reduce response time for troops and enhance military operations in the area.

Major General Dangana assured the governor that the Nigerian Army remained fully committed to protecting lives and property, pledging that troops under his division would continue to work tirelessly to ensure lasting peace and security in Bauchi State and other states within the division’s operational responsibility.