The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending illegal mining in Zamfara State due to the persistent security challenges linked to mining activities in the state.
Speaking to journalists in Gusau on Thursday, Abunumah Samuel, the Mining Officer of the Federal Ministry of Solid Mineral Resources, disclosed that the Ministry, in collaboration with security agencies, has developed a comprehensive strategy to clamp down on both legal and illegal miners in the state.
Samuel reminded the public that the government had suspended all mining activities in Zamfara since 2019 to combat rising banditry, stating that the ban remains in effect for all miners, including those with valid licenses.
“The ban affected everybody, including those with licenses to mine. They must wait for further directives from the authorities,” Samuel said.
He stated that any individuals or groups who refuse to comply with the ban would face legal action.
“Those who refuse to comply with this directive will soon be arrested and brought to book,” he warned.
Meanwhile, in the ongoing effort to tackle illegal mining, the police in Zamfara recently arrested 16 suspected illegal miners, including six foreigners from Burkina Faso and Niger Republic, as well as 10 Nigerians.
According to the state’s police commissioner, Mohammed Shehu, the arrests were made at an illegal mining site owned by notorious bandit kingpin Halilu Buzu, who was recently killed by security operatives.
Shehu revealed that dangerous weapons, excavators, mining chemicals, and other items were recovered from the suspects.
He lamented that illegal mining has continued for years despite the ban, and that many of those involved had no permits from the relevant authorities.