Ola Olukoyede, chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has vowed to checkmate the activities of illegal miners across the country with a view to growing the economy and reducing the associated risks in the sector.

Olukoyede conveyed the commitment in Ilorin at the Conference of the National Council on Mining and Mineral Resources Development (NCMMRD).

He said: “EFCC is a major stakeholder when it comes to the issue of illegal mining. The Commission has being in the forefront of sanitizing the mining sector in Nigeria. This is done in line with the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The EFCC Chair, who spoke through Michael Nzekwe, the Ilorin Zonal Commander of the EFCC, noted that “illegal mining is not only a threat to our local and national economy, but also constitutes grave danger to the lives of the people.”

He lamented the rate at which resources in Kwara State are being plundered by artisanal miners, adding that, “our resources, if channeled through the right sources and put into good use are enough to sustain the economy of the state and make it self-reliant.”

While commending the government of Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State for being supportive in the fight against corruption and illegal mining, he called on all stakeholders to support the Commission so as to succeed in the arduous task.

He warned illegal miners to desist from the act, saying that the EFCC will seriously deal with any economic saboteur caught.

The EFCC boss assured that the agency is committed and will continue to rid the country of illegal acts and corruption.