Adamawa seeks security collaboration to curb illegal mining

The Adamawa governmet has appealed to the security agencies in the state to collaborate in tackling illegal mining activities accross the 21 local government areas.

Mr Ibrahim Haruna, the state Commissioner for Mineral Resources and Development, made the plea on Wednesday, in Yola, during a courtesy visit to the security agencies.

It was reported that the Commissioner and his entourage visited the Adamawa Police Command, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Department of State Services.

He stressed the need for collective efforts to safeguard the state’s natural resources, describing illegal mining as a threat to environmental safety and a sabotage of the state’s revenue generation.

“The police are responsible for maintaining law and order, and we seek your support in conducting security checks on illegal mining operations in our communities.

“The global shift from hydrocarbons to mineral resources have drawn unlicensed individuals into the sector.

“Adamawa is richly endowed with mineral resources and it is our collective responsibility to protect it for the benefit of our people and the development of the state,” he said.

Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Morris Dankombo, commended the delegation and underscored the importance of a secure environment for sustainable development.

“For internal security, we are duty-bound to create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive,” Dankombo said.

He expressed concern over the proliferation of unregulated mining activities, often carried out by individuals without proper certification.

“One of your core mandates as a ministry is to supervise mining activities and ensure environmental safety.

“Unfortunately, some individuals bypass due process, secure approvals from traditional leaders in the communities and operate without proper documentation.

“Also, whereever mining occurs, there is often a high risk of criminality.

“Therefore, it is critical that we work together to eliminate illegal mining for the good of the state,” he said.

Dankombo assured the police command’s commitment to collaborate with other security agencies to sanitise the mining sector.

Similarly, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr Idris Bande, lauded the visit and emphasised the importance of protecting mineral resources as critical national assets.

Bande pledged the support of the corps to the ministry to curb illegal mining activities in the state.