Despite a ban and pledges of strict enforcement by governors, illegal mining activities continue unabated in Nigeria’s Northeast states, a Daily Trust Saturday investigation has revealed. The persistence of these operations exacerbates the already severe security challenges in the region.
The six governors of the northeastern states—Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe—under the North East Governors Forum, had collectively resolved to tackle illegal mining in their jurisdictions. However, their efforts seem to be falling short.
In a communiqué from their eighth meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State, on September 9, 2023, the governors recognized the link between mining activities and regional insecurity. They committed to enforcing compliance with local consent provisions in Nigeria’s mining policy, but the implementation appears to be lagging.
Field investigations in Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba, and Yobe revealed the active presence of miners, with heavy security deployed only at sites in Borno. In Taraba, the rugged terrain has facilitated hundreds of illegal miners in evading the task force led by Brigadier-General Jeremiah Aliyu Faransa. Despite efforts by Governor Agbu Kefas and the task force, illegal mining continues in remote locations.
In Adamawa, illegal mining of copper, lithium, and other minerals is rampant, with raw materials smuggled to neighboring countries. Local officials admit the challenges in curbing these activities, citing the need for more effective monitoring and surveillance, including aerial support.
According to a report by Daily Trust, Gombe State has witnessed arrests by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for illegal mining, but the problem persists. In Bauchi State, illegal mining has been linked to an increase in armed robbery and banditry.
The situation is particularly alarming in Borno, where the state assembly has raised concerns over the security threats posed by illegal mining. Despite these challenges, experts in the sector warn of the involvement of foreigners and powerful Nigerians in these activities, exacerbating the exploitation of the nation’s natural resources.
Minister of Solid Minerals Dele Alake has called for a formalized structure to regulate mining activities. He emphasizes the need for collaboration between the federal and state governments to harness the sector’s potential.
As Nigeria grapples with the security and environmental implications of unregulated mining, the need for a coordinated and effective approach to managing the sector becomes increasingly critical.
