Zamfara State, rich in minerals like gold, copper, and lithium, faces severe insecurity linked to illegal mining and banditry, where armed groups engage in cattle rustling and kidnappings. These resources, while valuable, have attracted criminal activities that exploit both the resources and local miners, who often endure unsafe working conditions dominated by intimidation from armed factions.

The Nigerian government instated a mining ban in 2019 to combat escalating insecurity, later expanding to a no-fly zone due to concerns that illegal gold mining funded weapon smuggling. However, the ban failed due to widespread bandit control over mining sites. Many locals remained involved in artisanal mining, as this was their only income source, ironically strengthening bandit operations financially.

Data shows the ban’s ineffectiveness, with registered deaths from insecurity increasing by 183% post-ban, indicating a worsening situation. The ban disrupted local livelihoods, pushing individuals into illegal mining, and bandits exploited this vulnerability to strengthen their criminal activities. With the mining ban lifted in December 2024, the government faced the same issues, as bandits continued to control operations despite the stated improvements in the state’s security.

Addressing these problems requires structural reforms, including the involvement of local authorities in mineral regulation and development. The government needs a comprehensive strategy to enhance security at mining sites through specialised forces and improved surveillance while establishing robust regulations on mineral extraction and sales to combat smuggling. Collaboration with local communities and international partners can also modernise Nigeria’s mining sector.

Additionally, providing alternative employment opportunities and supporting community development can address the economic vulnerabilities faced by Zamfara’s mining communities, reducing their reliance on illegal mining. Emphasising responsible mining practices will help protect both the miners’ well-being and the environment from health hazards and ecological degradation.

The situation in Zamfara highlights the complexity of balancing mineral exploitation with security and community welfare. By focusing on enhanced security measures, regulatory frameworks, and local community support, the Nigerian government could create a sustainable mining sector that deters bandit activity while benefiting the overall economy.

The article discusses the complex relationship between illegal mining, banditry, and economic dependency in Zamfara State, Nigeria. It outlines the history of mining bans instituted by the government aimed at curtailing insecurity resulting from these activities. However, the bans were largely ineffective as they disrupted local livelihoods and empowered armed groups controlling mining sites. The state’s mineral wealth offers potential for economic growth, yet poses significant governance and security challenges.

The lifting of the mining ban in Zamfara is a pivotal moment for Nigeria to tackle insecurity and better utilise mineral wealth. The previous ban revealed the intricate challenges, including worsening insecurity and local economic dependency on illegal mining. Future interventions must robustly address security, community needs, and industry regulation to prevent bandit exploitation while fostering a sustainable mining framework.

Original Source: solacebase.com

The post Can Nigeria Tackle Banditry and Harness Mineral Wealth in Zamfara? first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

Nigeria’s mining sector is rich in various minerals, contributing significantly to the economy, with an estimated US$700 billion in commercially viable resources. However, illegal mining activities, primarily led by foreign criminals, threaten this potential. Since 2020, multiple arrests, predominantly of Chinese nationals involved in illegal mining, highlight the crisis. Policymaking inconsistencies, corruption, and inadequate regulatory oversight enable these foreign actors to exploit Nigeria’s resources, particularly in regions vulnerable to banditry and local criminal networks.

The focus on gold mining attracts foreign demand, worsening criminal activities in the north-west, where links between illegal mining and armed banditry have been established. Despite its economic importance, the mining sector has been neglected by security forces until recent incidents highlighted its connection to broader insecurity. Furthermore, corruption within immigration services facilitates the entry of foreign miners under the guise of tourism.

Law enforcement officials recommend that the Nigerian government prioritise solid minerals to match its oil and gas focus. Comprehensive inter-agency collaboration is vital to address the influx of illegal foreign miners and their links to larger criminal syndicates. Community engagement is essential to combat illegal mining activities, raising awareness of their negative social, environmental, and security implications. Legal reforms are also necessary to enhance penalties for illicit mining and improve regulatory frameworks.

Nigeria, endowed with a diverse range of mineral resources, has immense potential for economic diversification and increased foreign earnings. However, the mining sector suffers from issues like illegal operations, insufficient security, and policy inconsistencies, which hinder its growth. Foreign criminals, particularly from China, have exploited these weaknesses, engaging in illegal mining, which is often linked to wider criminal activities, including banditry and corruption at multiple levels.

The illegal mining activities in Nigeria, particularly by foreign nationals, present significant threats to the country’s security and economic potential. The government’s failure to address these issues through coherent policy, adequate regulatory measures, and improved community engagement exacerbates the situation. Immediate action is required to reinforce regulations, bolster security measures, and enhance inter-agency cooperation, ensuring that Nigeria’s valuable mineral resources are protected and utilised effectively for national benefit.

Original Source: www.eurasiareview.com

The post Nigeria’s Mining Crisis: The Threat of Foreign Criminals in the Gold Sector first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

In an ongoing crackdown on illegal mining, the Nigerian federal government has prosecuted several individuals arrested in Kogi and Ondo states. This operation, known as “Operation Hayakin Kogo,” led to the apprehension of two Chinese nationals and a Nigerian in Kogi for breaching mining regulations. Additionally, four suspects were caught in Ondo during a raid on an illegal gold mining site in a protected area. All suspects have been charged in the Federal High Court, Abuja, as the government intensifies efforts to sanitise the mining sector.

Illegal mining has become a significant issue in Nigeria, affecting the environment and economic growth. The federal government, under the guidance of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, aims to reform the sector through the establishment of the Mining Marshals, a trained group from the NSCDC dedicated to enforcing mining laws. This initiative is part of a multi-faceted strategy focusing on sustainability, legality, and the enhancement of monitoring capabilities in the mining sector.

The federal government’s commitment to combatting illegal mining is exemplified by ongoing legal actions against offenders in Kogi and Ondo states. With the increased enforcement capabilities of the Mining Marshals and a clear message for compliance with mining laws, the government aims to protect its mineral resources and ensure that mining contributes positively to the economy.

Original Source: nta.ng

The post Nigerian Government Prosecutes Illegal Miners in Kogi and Ondo States first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has apprehended three Chinese nationals and two Nigerian individuals for illegal mining activities in Nasarawa State. This operation took place at an unauthorized mining site in Rafin-Gabas, Agwada, Kokona Local Government Area, as led by the mining marshals who were acting on credible intelligence. The suspects engaged in mining operations without proper authorization, extracting minerals such as fluorite, zinc, lead, and tin since December 15, 2021. Despite warnings to regularise their activities, they continued to exploit the country’s resources, which is contributing to significant revenue losses for the government. To date, over 200 illegal miners have been arrested throughout the nation, with approximately 140 currently facing prosecution. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, reiterated the government’s commitment to reforming the mining sector and ensuring a secure environment for lawful investors.

Illegal mining poses a significant challenge to resource management and revenue generation in Nigeria. The government has established mining marshals to monitor and enforce compliance in the mining sector, aiming to curb unlawful activities that result in financial losses and environmental degradation. Recent arrests reflect a heightened effort to tackle illegal mining and regulate the industry to support legitimate investments.

The arrests of the Chinese and Nigerian nationals highlight ongoing efforts by the Nigerian government to combat illegal mining. With over 200 arrests and numerous prosecutions underway, the government is determined to reform the mining sector and protect its resources from unlawful exploitation.

Original Source: www.pulse.ng

The post Federal Government Arrests Five Suspects for Illegal Mining in Nasarawa first appeared on Nigerian Mining News.