The Bauchi State Government has banned all illegal mining activities of mineral resources in the state.
The State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Abubakar Bununu disclosed this during a ministerial briefing at the State Secretariat on Wednesday in Bauchi.
Bununu said his ministry is working alongside the Ministry of Natural Resources to address the issue of illegal mining in the state, aiming to prevent scenarios similar to those in Zamfara and Katsina.
He stated that through joint efforts of the ministries all illegal mining sites in the state have been shut down to maintain security.
“We have banned and closed all illegal mining sites in Alkaleri local government and throughout the state. As of now, no illegal mining sites are operating,” Bununu said.
Regarding allegations of jungle justice involving the Vigilante group known as ‘Ba Beli’ in some parts of the state, Bununu said he was unaware of such incidents but pledged to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Babeli, a self-help group fighting crimes in the state is accused of human rights abuses of suspects across the state.
He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that Vigilante groups operate within the bounds of human rights and legal standards, noting that registers have been provided and several workshops organized to educate members on their roles as quasi-security personnel.
The Commissioner highlighted successful joint operations between security agencies and Vigilante groups in Ningi, Tafawa Balewa, Alkaleri, and Toro LGAs.
He also reported significant progress in combating the Sara Suka gang, phone snatching, and other crimes, with over 100 suspects arrested and currently facing legal action.
Bununu urged the public to report security concerns to the ministry and nearby security agencies to help eliminate criminal activities.
However, he decried that the ministry faces challenges, including a lack of operational vehicles and manpower.
He mentioned that the ministry’s operational funding is limited to an inconsistent monthly allocation of N500,000, which is grossly inadequate.
