EFCC, Customs collaborate to fight illegal mining in Osun, Oyo States

The EFCC, Ibadan Zonal Command and the Oyo/Osun Area Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) are joining forces to tackle illegal mining activities in the two states.

EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

Uwujaren said both agencies made the commitment when EFCC’s Acting Ibadan Zonal Commander, ACE I Halima Rufa’u, visited NCS’s Oyo/Osun Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba.

He said Rufa’u, who expressed her delight at the warm reception accorded her, decried the threats posed by activities of illegal solid mineral operators in the zone to national economic growth.

“I am glad to be here today on this familiarisation visit. But, more importantly, this visit offers EFCC an opportunity to deliberate on how best to tackle the menace of illegal mining in Oyo, Osun and Ekiti states.

“It saddens me to see that our natural resources that should have been used to develop our country, build good health facilities, alleviate poverty, and improve our education system are being mismanaged by unscrupulous individuals for their personal gains.

“But EFCC is undeterred by the antics of corrupt individuals, who are benefiting from the illegal mining operations, as we will ensure that extant laws against illegal miners are enforced,” she said. 

Rufa’u called for a more robust collaboration and synergy between the EFCC and NCS for better results.

In his remarks, Jaiyeoba appreciated Rufa’u for the visit and commended her for the critical roles EFCC had been playing to combat illegal mining activities and cyber crime in the zone.

He expressed confidence in the competence of both organisations to tackle the menace head on.

“This visit is coming at the right time, when there is an increase in illegal mining activities in the states.

“I can assure you that the fight will be won, given the fact that both organisations are willing and ready to partner in the fight against the illegal activities,” the Comptroller said.