Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, yesterday, imposed a ban on unlawful mining operations and directed law enforcement authorities to implement rigorous measures, including an order to shoot at sight against those who defy the ban.
Over time, the unlawful extraction of minerals in Zamfara State has acted as a catalyst for the rise in banditry and various criminal activities.
Governor Lawal, as conveyed by his Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, has emphasized the urgency of putting an end to this practice and initiating measures to safeguard the security and welfare of the people of Zamfara.
He emphasized that security personnel had received clear directives to take decisive measures, including shooting anyone immediately caught participating in illegal mining.
Earlier this month, Mr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, issued a 30-day ultimatum to illegal miners in the country, urging them to join established mining cooperatives or risk severe legal consequences.
The minister also introduced a new initiative to establish a surveillance task force, comprising law enforcement personnel and other pertinent agencies, with the primary objective of enhancing security in the nation’s mines.
Alongside this, the minister unveiled a seven-point transformation agenda, which includes a 30-day ultimatum for miners and the deployment of security operatives.
Expressing astonishment, he questioned why a nation rich in valuable resources such as gold, bitumen, lithium, and uranium had not harnessed these assets for the betterment of its citizens.