Alhaji Yusuf Garba, Chairman, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State, has warned community leaders against harbouring illegal miners in the area.
Garba gave the warning on Thursday in Bauchi during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said the council would not condone any form of illegal mining within its jurisdiction.
The chairman said only miners that had genuine registration and certification would be allowed to carry out mining activities in the council.
He urged community leaders to dissociate themselves from illegal miners and report any suspicious miners within their jurisdiction to security agencies for investigation.
He said the council would punish anyone found guilty of aiding and abetting illegal mining in the area.
“The council has large deposits of coal in Gwana community and kaolin in Alkaleri and Gwaram communities.
“We only allow those with registration, licenses and fully certified members of the miners association to engage in mining operations in the area,” the chairman said.
Garba asserted that it was unlawful for any individual or group to engage in illegal mining operations in the council’s jurisdiction.
He said his administration would continue to provide the necessary support and encouragement to security agencies to keep the council safe. (NAN)
