The Federal Government met with security forces on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, to deliberate on tackling illegal mining in Nigeria.
This was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement signed by the spokesperson of the Nigerian Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
“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 taskforce, convened on Tuesday 30th January, 2024, at the instance of the IGP in Abuja, to address the challenges posed by illegal mining in Nigeria,” Adejobi said.
He said that the committee meeting, which was held at the Police Force Headquarters, had in attendance representatives from the Armed Forces, Police, NSCDC, Ministry of Solid Minerals, Environment and other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Adejobi revealed that the mandate of the proposed taskforce is multifaceted as it aims to curb illegal mining activities perpetrated by both foreigners and Nigerians.
The Police spokesperson added that the key objectives of the Taskforce include enhancing security in mining areas and enforcing mining laws.
Others are ensuring proper warehousing and monitoring of explosives as well as advancing environmental sustainability in Nigeria’s mining operations.
According to Adejobi, the police, security forces, and other MDAs remain steadfast in supporting the agenda of the Federal Government in the quest for economic recovery and growth as well as the socio-political development of Nigeria.
