GOV BALA ORDERS TOUGH CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL MINING, WARNS OFFENDERS

By Mohammed Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)

Bauchi State Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has ordered security agencies to intensify the crackdown on illegal mining, warning that anyone found violating the law, regardless of status, must face prosecution.

The governor issued the directive on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos, Major-General WM Dangana, at the Government House in Bauchi.

He stressed that his administration would not interfere with the prosecution of offenders, declaring that even his own son should be prosecuted if implicated.

"If my son or any other person is found guilty of illegal mining, the law should take its full course. Nobody should be spared," he said.

Governor Mohammed reiterated his administration's resolve to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities, while commending the Nigerian Army for responding swiftly to recent security incidents in Alkaleri Local Government Area.

In his remarks, Major-General Dangana said the Army was reviewing ongoing operations to improve security and deepen cooperation with the state government.

He thanked the governor for supporting military operations and noted that the construction of Mansur Road in Alkaleri would significantly improve troop movement and response to security threats. NNL.