Writing by Abdulrazak Kaura; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
Zamfara State remains entangled in the ongoing link between illegal mining and banditry, with experts continuously stressing how these two criminal activities reinforce one another.
Health professionals have also raised alarms about the serious health risks linked to illegal mining, referencing the devastating lead poisoning incident in Bagega, which claimed hundreds of children’s lives and left others permanently harmed which prompted the federal government to ban all forms of mining, legal and illegal, in Zamfara since 2009.
Despite this prohibition, illegal miners, including both locals and foreigners, persist in exploiting the state’s rich mineral deposits. These miners frequently collaborate with bandits, offering logistical support and sometimes even weapons in exchange for permission to mine. This partnership has resulted in numerous illegal mining sites, particularly in Anka and Bukkuyum local government areas, where the recently deceased bandit leader, Kachalla Halilu Sububu, controlled multiple operations.
In recent security operations, law enforcement in Zamfara State has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining. The state’s police command recently raided mining sites in Anka and Talata Mafara, arresting 29 suspects, including six foreign nationals—three from Burkina Faso and three from Niger Republic. The arrests were confirmed by Zamfara Commissioner of Police, CP Shehu Muhammad Dalijan, who also showcased the items seized during the raids.
Recovered materials included heavy-duty equipment like an excavator, 18 bags of chemicals, two locally-made AK-47 rifles, ammunition, charms, motorcycles, and other mining tools. One of the arrested foreigners, Kwahoro Samaila from Burkina Faso, confessed to his involvement in illegal mining and revealed that he had been operating without a visa or permit for several years.
