Coal Miners in Kogi State Appreciate Government and Security Agencies for Cracking Down on Illegal Activities

The licensed coal miners in Kogi state wish to express their gratitude towards the state government and security services for their prompt and efficient handling of the issue of illegal mining within the state. This commendation is provided by the promoters of three mining firms: Dr. Innocent Ezuma, Executive Chairman, Etazuma Mining and Industries Limited; Parthia Ghosh, Managing Director, Kohl’s Energy Limited and Dr. Ramos, Managing Director, Mosra Energy Limited. They have urged other states and security agencies to emulate their actions in combatting illegal mining and economic sabotage for the greater good of the Nigerian economy and national security.

The statement issued by the licensed and legal coal miners in Kogi State expresses their full support and appreciation towards the President of Nigeria, Alhaji Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Solid Mineral Development, Dr. Dele Alake, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Adiza Bello and the security agencies involved, particularly the Department of State Services, Kogi State Command. Their coordinated efforts have been instrumental in combating the menace of illegal mining and its detrimental impact on the economy and security of the country.

The coal miners have expressed hope that this proactive fight against illegal mining will be sustained until it is completely eradicated, not just within the coal mining sector, but in all aspects of mining across Nigeria.

Their words of appreciation were prompted by the swift actions taken by the Kogi State Government following the announcement of a ban on illegal mining activities by the Federal Government. The Kogi State Government promptly set up a Joint Taskforce comprising the Police, NSCDC, the State Security Service, Federal Mines Office, Kogi State, State Ministry of Solid Minerals and natural Resources, and Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS) to enforce the ban. This multi-agency approach has proven to be effective in cracking down on illegal mining.

Over the course of several weeks, the joint taskforce successfully impounded 21 trucks loaded with coal, totaling 945 tons, which were products of illegal mining activities. Furthermore, an application was filed before the Federal High Court, Lokoja seeking an Order of forfeiture of the 945 tons of coal to the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. This application was granted, and an interim forfeiture Order for the 945 tons of coal to the Federal Government of Nigeria was issued by the Federal High Court.

As part of the legal process, the Court has directed that the Notice of Order be made public in various locations, including Federal High Court, State High Court, and the mining sites in Ankpa LGA, where the products were impounded. These measures serve to notify any interested parties to show cause why the forfeiture Order should not be made absolute and final.

The Applicant is also required to file an affidavit of compliance, complete with pictures to prove the publication. The return date for the final Order has been set for 1 February 2024.

The proactive measures taken by the Kogi State Government and the collaborative efforts of the security agencies demonstrate a strong commitment to addressing the issue of illegal mining and its negative impact. This is a positive step towards safeguarding the Nigerian economy and national security.