The Ilorin zonal command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to set up a task force to tackle illegal mining in the 16 local government areas of Kwara State.
The zonal commander of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe, made this known when he hosted the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in the state, Mr. Musa Olarewaju.
Nzekwe saidthe EFCC would prosecute suspects arrested by the task force, which would comprise representatives of all law enforcement agencies in the state.
He said the first task of the committee would be to meet with all the stakeholders to get support for the fight against illegal mining.
He disclosed that the Ilorin zonal command had, within the last year, secured the conviction of five illegal mining operators, aside from the money recovered from the sector, adding that the commission would bring them to justice.
Earlier, the permanent secretary had expressed the support of the state government for the agency’s fight againstillegal miners.
He said the EFCC’s fight against illegal miners deserves the support and commendation of all citizens.
Olarewaju urged the anti-graft agency not to be deterred by the antics of some corrupt individuals who are benefiting from the illegal operation, as corruption would always fight back.
He said the state government was solidly behind the EFCC in its effort to rid the state of illegal mining across the 16 local government areas of the state.
“We are following your activities closely, especially the latest arrest of some Chinese nationals over alleged illegal mining in the state. The Chinese have a company in Olayinka, Ifelodun local government area. When I visited the place, I almost shed tears. The place is not developed; the roads there are not motorable, yet the company is not paying royalty to the government”, Olarewaju said.
He disclosed that no fewer than 230 mining operators are in the state, but none of them have come to revalidate their licences.
