The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government and security agencies have met to deliberate on tackling challenges posed by illegal mining across the country.

 

The deliberation took place on Tuesday at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja by the committee set up by the president to ensure sanity in the mining sector.

 

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson made this known in a statement on Wednesday morning.

 

According to Adejobi, the committee which has representatives from the Armed Forces, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ministry of Solid Minerals, Environment, and other relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies discussed ways to tackle illegal mining by Nigerians and foreigners.

 

The statement partly reads: “In line with the frantic efforts of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government of Nigeria, to emplace sanity in the country’s mining sector, the technical committee charged by the Federal Government to set up a joint task force, convened on Tuesday 30th January 2024, at the instance of the IGP, Abuja to address the challenges posed by illegal mining in Nigeria.

 

The Committee meeting, which was held at the Police Force Headquarters, had in attendance the representatives from the Armed Forces, Police, NSCDC, Ministry of Solid Minerals, Environment, and other relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

 

“The mandate of the proposed task force is multifaceted, aiming to curb illegal mining activities perpetrated by both foreigners and Nigerians.

 

“Key objectives include enhancing security in mining areas, enforcing mining laws, ensuring proper warehousing and monitoring of explosives, and advancing environmental sustainability in our mining operations.

 

“The Nigeria Police Force, security forces, and other MDAs remain steadfast in supporting the agenda of the Federal Government’s quest for economic recovery and growth as well as the socio-political development of Nigeria.”