By Abdulwahab Muhammad
Published by Alphapressmedia
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has declared an uncompromising war against illegal mining, insisting that no one found to be involved in the illicit activity will be shielded from justice—even if the offender is his own son.
The Governor made the emphatic declaration on Tuesday while receiving the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Jos, and Commander of Operation Safe Haven/Operation Enduring Peace, Major General Maxwell W. Dangana, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Bauchi.
Governor Bala Mohammed described illegal mining, particularly in Alkaleri Local Government Area and adjoining border communities, as a major driver of insecurity, noting that the illicit activity has fuelled banditry, displaced farming communities and undermined economic development.
He stressed that the fight against illegal mining must be pursued without fear or favour.
“I urge the security agencies to act professionally and without fear or favour. Nobody should be above the law. Even if my own son is found to be involved in illegal mining, deal with him according to the law. We cannot afford to be complacent,” the Governor declared.
The Governor warned that bandits, illegal miners and other criminal elements operating around the state’s border communities continue to threaten lives, agriculture and investment, stressing that security remains the bedrock of sustainable development.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Chief of Army Staff, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Nigerian Army for their swift response to the recent security breaches in Alkaleri Local Government Area, describing the intervention as timely and reassuring.
According to him, the rapid deployment of security personnel restored public confidence and sent a clear message that Bauchi State would never become a safe haven for criminal elements.
Governor Bala Mohammed reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, acknowledging the sacrifices of military personnel in safeguarding lives and property.
“You leave your families behind to protect ours, and for that, the government and people of Bauchi State remain profoundly grateful,” he said.
The Governor called for stronger collaboration among the military, other security agencies, neighbouring states, local government councils, traditional institutions and community leaders to tackle banditry, illegal mining, smuggling and other cross-border crimes.
He advocated intensified intelligence gathering, increased border patrols and coordinated operations against criminal hideouts, assuring that the Bauchi State Government would continue to provide logistics, operational vehicles, modern tracking equipment and other critical infrastructure to strengthen security operations.
Governor Bala Mohammed also proposed a meeting of governors within the operational jurisdiction of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army to deepen regional cooperation and develop a coordinated strategy for addressing emerging security challenges across the North-East and North-Central zones.
He noted that the confidence demonstrated by investors during the state’s recent investment summit was largely driven by the improving security situation, stressing that economic growth and agricultural productivity can only flourish in a peaceful environment.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Maxwell W. Dangana, said he was in Bauchi on a maiden operational tour following his assumption of office to assess formations and units under his command and strengthen collaboration with critical stakeholders.
The GOC, whose Area of Responsibility covers Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Adamawa States, described his visit to Bauchi as a homecoming, recalling his educational and military background in the state.
He commended Governor Bala Mohammed for the consistent support his administration has extended to the Nigerian Army and appealed to the state government to facilitate the construction of the strategic Mansur–Duguri Road in Alkaleri Local Government Area, explaining that the road would significantly improve troop mobility and reduce response time during security operations.
Major General Dangana assured the Governor and the people of Bauchi State of the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and sustaining the ongoing fight against criminality across the state and the wider operational area.
