Licensed coal miners in Kogi State have expressed support for the recent impoundment of 21 coal trucks by the Kogi State government and security personnel, which they claim belonged to illicit coal miners in the state.
The trio of Dr. Innocent Ezuma, Partha Ghosh, and Dr. Ramos of Etazuma Mining and Industries Limited, Koyla Energy Limited, and Mosra Energy Limited praised the federal government, Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dele Alake, Kogi State government, and security agencies for taking up the fight against what they called ‘economic saboteurs who breed terrorism’.
In December, Alake reiterated the federal government’s ban on illegal mining activities, warning that unlawful miners would face serious punishment.
Following the warning, the Kogi State Government formed a joint task force on December 18, 2023, consisting of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of Security Service (DSS), Kogi Federal Mines Office, State Ministry of Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, and Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS).
From December 18 to January 7, 2024, the joint task force reported that 21 vehicles laden with coal totaling 945 tons were confiscated for illegal mining.
As a result, on January 8, 2024, an application was brought before the Federal High Court in Lokoja, seeking an order of forfeiture of the confiscated coal to the federal government via the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Development.
Last Monday, the Federal High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Abdul Dogo issued an interim forfeiture order for the seized coal to the federal government.
The court ordered that the notice of order be posted in public areas such as federal high courts, state high courts, and numerous mining sites in the Ankpa area, where the items were impounded.
At the weekend, twenty-four licensed mining companies visited Kogi to thank the Kogi State government and security forces for their efforts and to offer suggestions on how to strengthen the task force’s activities.
They expressed hope that the fight would continue until illicit mining activities were completely eradicated, not only in the coal mining sector but also in other places around the country.
They also urged other state governments and security agencies to step up the battle against illegal mining and economic sabotage in the best interests of the economy.
