Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has directed security agencies to intensify operations against illegal mining across the state and ensure that anyone found culpable is prosecuted, regardless of status or personal connections.
The governor gave the directive while receiving the General Officer Commanding of the 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Maxwell Dangana, during a courtesy visit to the government house in Bauchi.
Mohammed said his administration would not shield anyone from prosecution if found participating in unlawful mining activities and insisted that the law must be applied without exception.
He said even members of his own family should face legal consequences if implicated in illegal mining operations.
The governor described security as the foundation of development and reaffirmed his administration’s determination to tackle criminal activities across the state.
“No one is above the law, not even my son. If anyone connected to me is found guilty of illegal mining, the law should take its full course,” the governor said.
He also commended the Nigerian Army for its recent operations in Alkaleri Local Government Area, saying the intervention had improved the security situation and restored confidence among residents.
Mohammed called for stronger collaboration between security agencies in Bauchi and neighbouring states, urging increased intelligence gathering, rural patrols and joint operations to combat banditry and illegal mining.
He said the state government would continue to provide operational support, logistics and infrastructure to security agencies to strengthen ongoing operations.
The governor disclosed that a Joint Task Force base under construction in Mansur, Alkaleri Local Government Area, was nearing completion, while technology-based tracking equipment had been provided to support security operations.
He further expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser and the military high command for their response to recent security incidents in Alkaleri.
In his remarks, Major General Dangana said the visit was aimed at strengthening cooperation between the Nigerian Army and the Bauchi State Government in addressing emerging security challenges.
He thanked the governor for the support extended to the military and reaffirmed the army’s commitment to sustaining operations to improve security across Bauchi State.