Some of the items seized and burnt in the operation in Bole
The Savannah Regional Security Council (REGSEC) has seized eight excavators and destroyed hundreds of makeshift structures belonging to illegal miners as part of an operation to combat galamsey activities.
The Savannah Regional Minister, Salisu Be-Awuribe, led the team that targeted areas such as Tuntumba, Kalaba, and Gbiniyiri in the Bole district.
However, upon noticing the presence of security personnel, the illegal miners fled the scene, leaving behind their belongings and equipment.
In an interview with journalists, Mr. Be-Awuribe, indicated that REGSEC is committed to stopping illegal mining from the region.
He stated that their focus is on the financiers behind these operations, warning that anyone involved in illegal activities will face arrest and prosecution.
“Our target is the financiers of these operations, transporting such heavy equipment to this area is costly, and the ordinary miner cannot bear this expense. This indicates that there are influential individuals behind the scenes. Our goal is to identify not only the operators but also those bigwigs financing this illegal activity, and we assure you that they will be held accountable,” he noted.
The Savannah Regional Minister, expressed concern over the contamination of water bodies in the region and called for the need for urgent action to protect the water bodies.
“The water bodies are our main source of water, when their flow is contaminated it affects livelihoods and many people. The heavy metals used in these operations pose serious health risks. We will do everything possible to safeguard our water resources,” he assured.
FROM Eric Kombat, Bole