Illegal Mining Operations of Well-Known Nigerian Terrorist Uncovered
An investigation conducted by the esteemed news publication, Premium Times, has brought to light the illicit gold mining activities orchestrated by the notorious terrorist, Halilu Sububu, in the North-western region of Nigeria. Sububu, with a history of criminality and close affiliations with other terrorists and jihadists in the Sahel region, has established a thriving mining operation in the mineral-rich areas of Bagega and its surrounding communities in Zamfara State.
In the fiercely contested bandit territory of rural North-west Nigeria, Sububu has successfully taken control of the majority of the mining sites in the area, establishing a camp and asserting dominance over the local populace. Reports indicate that he routinely abducts villagers and coerces them into labour within the mines, often without recompense. His activities have had a profound impact on the local population, subjecting them to forced labour and exploitation at the hands of Sububu and his cohorts.
Despite illegal mining being an ongoing issue in the region, the involvement and influence of Sububu have exponentially escalated the situation, resulting in heightened fear and turmoil among the local communities. The perilous and exploitative nature of Sububu’s operations has created feelings of helplessness and desperation among those affected, who are compelled to comply with his demands under the threat of violence.
The alluring profitability of illegal mining has not only drawn the attention of local bandits but also terrorists such as Sububu, who have shifted their criminal enterprises from traditional forms of wrongdoing to more lucrative ventures like mining. Consequently, the local communities have fallen victim to exploitation and abuse, with little to no assistance from the authorities.
Moreover, the illegal mining operations have brought attention to concerns regarding the lack of enforcement and regulation in the mining sector. Despite the existence of laws and regulations governing the ownership and exploitation of mineral resources in Nigeria, the presence of influential criminals like Sububu has rendered these measures ineffective, allowing them to act with impunity.
This situation has also spotlighted broader issues of insecurity and a lack of transparency in the governance of solid minerals in the country. The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), Ogbonnaya Orji, has underscored the need for collaboration with security agencies and mining host communities to address the insecurity and environmental hazards caused by unregulated mining activities.
In light of these revelations, it is imperative for the government and relevant authorities to take decisive action to curb the illegal mining operations and hold those responsible, such as Sububu, accountable for their criminal activities. Additionally, greater efforts should be made to strengthen enforcement, regulate the mining sector, and protect the rights and welfare of the affected communities.
The exposure of Sububu’s illegal mining operations serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive criminal activities that continue to undermine the safety and well-being of the Nigerian people. It is a call to action for authorities to intervene and restore law and order, ensuring the protection and security of vulnerable communities. The time to address this pressing issue is now, and the government must act decisively to put an end to the exploitation and abuse inflicted on the people by criminals like Halilu Sububu.
