Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, Elikem Kotoko, has issued a stern warning to individuals engaged in illegal mining, stressing that a new wave of security operations will be uncompromising and politically neutral.
Speaking on Channel One TV, Kotoko revealed that the security deployment to mining zones will operate under strict marching orders that allow no room for political interference or preferential treatment.
“The minister has made it very clear that when you get out there, don’t take any order from anybody saying he’s a big man.
The biggest man in this country is the President of the Republic, and he will not ask anyone to call you to condone any act,” he stated.
Kotoko said the personnel have been instructed to act “ruthlessly” and follow directives “to the letter,” noting that the operation will run on a rotational basis to maintain vigilance. He also warned those involved in illegal mining activities to stop immediately.
“From this week onward, if you are involved in this enterprise, it is best you put a stop to it because there will be naming and shaming, and it doesn’t matter who you are, where you belong, or who you know,” he cautioned.
To ensure the exercise is not seen as politically motivated, Kotoko explained that the National Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAMOS) has been tasked to engage directly with chiefs, youth groups, and opinion leaders, rather than politicians.
“The rationale behind this is to make sure that it is not seen as a political move at all. When they come to you and they see something amiss, they will tell you. If you fail to act, then the military will be compelled to act in the interest of the country,” he said.
