By Olubunmi Osoteku, Ibadan
The Ibadan Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Oyo State Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, have vowed to join forces in tackling illegal mining activities in the state.
The agencies made the commitment when the Acting Zonal Commander of the EFCC, Ibadan, ACE I Halima Mustafa Rufa’u paid a courtesy visit to the Oyo and Osun State Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba.
While expressing her delight for the warm reception accorded her, Rufa’u decried the threat activities of illegal solid mineral operators in the zone pose to national economic growth.
She said the visit offered an opportunity to deliberate on how best to tackle the menace of illegal mining in Oyo, Osun and Ekiti states.
Rufa’u said: “It saddens me to see that our natural resources that should have been used to develop our country, build good health facilities, alleviate poverty, improve our educational system, etc. are being mismanaged by unscrupulous individuals for their personal gains.
“But the EFCC is undeterred by the antics of corrupt individuals who are benefiting from the illegal mining operations and will ensure that extant laws against illegal miners are enforced.”
She called for a more robust collaboration and synergy between the EFCC and the Nigeria Customs Service.
Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba appreciated the EFCC Commander for the visit and commended her for the critical roles the EFCC is playing to combat illegal mining activities and cybercrime in the state.
He expressed confidence in the competence of both organisations to tackle the menace head.
“This visit is coming at the right time, when there is an increase in illegal mining activities in the state but I can assure you that the fight will be won given the fact that both organisations are willing and ready to partner against the illegal activities,” the Comptroller stated.
