KEY POINTS
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Zamfara has inaugurated a 13-member committee to tackle illegal mining and reclaim its gold fields.
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The committee will monitor mining operators, enforce regulations and work with security agencies.
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The move follows reports of forced labour and armed-group control of mining activities in Anka LGA.
The Zamfara State Government has inaugurated a 13-member committee to tackle illegal mining, reclaim gold fields from criminal groups and strengthen security in mining communities.
The committee was inaugurated on Friday in Gusau by the Secretary to the State Government, Malam Abubakar Mohammad Nakwada, as part of efforts to support the Federal Government’s drive to formalise mining activities and restore government control over mineral-rich areas.
The initiative is also aimed at disrupting the financial networks that allegedly allow bandit groups and terrorist organisations to generate revenue from illegal gold mining.
The government said the committee would work with security agencies, regulatory bodies and local authorities to identify illegal mining sites, investigate operators and ensure compliance with mining regulations.
Committee to monitor mining activities
The committee is chaired by the Commissioner for Environment, Abdulrahman Tumbido, and includes representatives of security agencies, traditional institutions and relevant federal and state government bodies.
The government said the broad membership was designed to improve coordination, intelligence sharing and enforcement across mining communities.
During the inauguration, Nakwada directed members to identify locations where illegal mining is taking place and profile individuals and companies involved in the activities.
He also instructed the committee to monitor licensed mining companies and ensure they comply with relevant laws and regulations.
According to the SSG, enforcement efforts must extend beyond unlicensed operators to include companies holding valid permits but failing to meet their legal obligations.
He further stressed the need to prevent environmental degradation and protect the safety, rights and livelihoods of communities hosting mining operations.
Nakwada said the committee was part of the state’s contribution to the Federal Government’s efforts to formalise the mining sector.
Tumbido promises fair enforcement
Speaking after his inauguration as chairman, Tumbido pledged that the committee would carry out its responsibilities using credible information and within the limits of the law.
He said its work would be guided by fairness and respect for the rights and livelihoods of residents in mining communities.
Tumbido also expressed the committee’s commitment to ensuring that efforts to regulate mining contribute to improved security, environmental protection and sustainable development across Zamfara.
The government is expected to rely on cooperation between the committee, security agencies and local authorities to identify illegal mining operations and address activities linked to criminal networks.
Insecurity in Anka raises concerns
The committee’s inauguration comes amid reports of worsening insecurity in mining communities, particularly in Anka Local Government Area.
On October 15, residents of Birnin Doki community in Anka reportedly fled their homes after terror leader Muhammad Gwaska ordered elderly people out of the settlement.
The residents were allegedly targeted for refusing to undertake forced labour at gold mines controlled by the armed group.
According to accounts from displaced residents, they were made to walk approximately 15 kilometres to an abandoned clinic, where they reportedly lacked access to food, water and immediate government assistance.
Residents have also alleged that armed groups exercise control over some mining areas, determining who can mine, farm or remain in certain communities.
The groups are further accused of imposing taxes on miners and farmers, using the proceeds to finance their operations and attacks.
These allegations have raised concerns about the growing influence of criminal groups over economic activities and access to natural resources in parts of Zamfara.
Government seeks to reclaim control of gold resources
Zamfara is among Nigeria’s major gold-producing states, but illegal mining has been associated with insecurity, environmental damage and the exploitation of local communities.
The state’s latest initiative is intended to strengthen oversight of mining operations, improve security around mineral deposits and prevent criminal groups from benefiting from the trade.
By involving security agencies, traditional rulers and government regulators, the administration hopes to establish a coordinated response to illegal mining and restore lawful economic activity in affected areas.
The effectiveness of the committee will depend on its ability to identify illegal operators, enforce mining regulations and protect residents in communities where armed groups have reportedly established influence.
