Kogi Tackles Illegal Miners, Impounds Trucks

Kogi State government has begun clampdown on illegal miners in the state.

The commissioner for solid minerals and natural resources, Engr Bashiru Gegu, has begun the enforcement of the state government directives to stop illegal mining in the state.

As at press time, the state government had impounded trucks loaded with coal mined illegally at Ankpa local government area.

The campaign by Engr. Abubakar Bashir Muhammed was supported by officers from Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services, Nigeria Police, Taskforce on Illegal Possession of Light Arms and Kogi State Vigilante Service.

“We must implement the federal government policy and help in revenue generation.

“ Over the years we have asked miners in the state approved by the federal government to register with the ministry. This has however fell on deaf ears with people brazenly destroying our communities,” he said.

The commissioner warned all illegal mining companies and individuals to stop forthwith as the long arm of the law is set to catch up with them, and assured that anyone found wanting would be prosecuted.