Makinde seeks army’s partnership to tackle illegal mining in Oyo State

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Thursday in Ibadan solicited the partnership of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to tackle illegal mining in the state.

Makinde sought the partnership when he hosted the new General Officer Commanding, 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Aminu Ginade, who paid him a courtesy visit.

He said that his administration was trying to gather intelligence reports on illegal miners and to pass the same to the army and other security agencies.

Also Read: Jandor “not surprised” at Wike’s endorsement of Sanwo-Olu

Makinde also pledged his continued support for the army and for other security agencies in the state and commend the army for its contributions so far.

“You provided officers and men for the state’s security outfit -`Operation Bust’.

“The army personnel have been conducting themselves professionally and that is why the relationship between the Division and the civilian population has been cordial.

“We have managed ourselves very well and they have also assisted us in difficult times,’’ he said.

The governor also noted that there were lots of security challenges facing the country in spite of its dwindling fortunes.

“We know this is a difficult period for us as a nation. We are faced with insurgency in the Northeast and banditry in the Northwest.

“Even closer home here, we have been receiving reports of pressure on bandits in Niger and some of them have infiltrated Oyo State through Kwara and the northern part of Oyo State.

“We will contribute our own portion to ensure that `Operation Still Waters’ of the Nigerian Army is successful in this state,’’ the governor assured.