Kogi, Zamfara Bans Illegal Mining Over Insecurity

• Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has declared an end to illegal mining, citing its role in fueling banditry and criminal activities
• Security personnel have been instructed to take strict action, including shooting on sight, against illegal mining operations

Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara State, has declared an end to illegal mining in the state and directed security personnel to take strict action against violators.

Lawal stated that illegal mining had fueled banditry and other criminal activities in recent years.

According to Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, it is time to “end this destructive activity and implement measures to protect the safety and well-being of the people.”

He emphasized that security personnel had been given strict orders to take bold action and shoot anyone found engaging in illegal mining on sight.

The announcement was the third in recent months from Northern states, as governments work to tighten the noose around illegal miners.

According to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Yakubu Tafida, who addressed journalists on Friday, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris issued a directive to stop all illegal mining in the state.

Yahaya Bello, Governor of Kogi State, said in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Solid Minerals and Natural Resources, Engr. Bashiru Gegu, that all legal operators should now register with the ministry in order to improve peace and criminal-free sites and wage war on illegal mining activities.

Lawal, who followed suit, stated that the action would give the government complete control over the resources in Zamfara.

The directive is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the good people of Zamfara and deter potential wrongdoers from committing such acts, Lawal said.

It is also a swift action to enable the State Government to be in total control of state resources and block activities that endanger the lives and properties of the people.

Illegal mining is undeniably one of the driving forces behind the rampant banditry plaguing Zamfara State. We must take swift, decisive action to curb this menace and restore peace and security to our communities.