Yobe and Adamawa Increase Security to Stop Illegal Mining

The Yobe and Adamawa state governments are boosting security to tackle violent crimes linked to illegal mining in rural areas.

These actions are likely connected to claims that the search for minerals like gold fuels banditry and insurgency in some regions.

An investigation by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) found that Yobe has over 27 solid minerals, including gold, limestone, gypsum, trona, diatomite, granite, and kaolin. Adamawa has more than 26 minerals with commercial value, such as gold, limestone, gypsum, trona, diatomite, granite, and kaolin.

Yobe Governor Mai Mala Buni’s adviser on security, Dahiru Abdulsalam, shared with NAN that the state has sent marshals to Gulani and Gujba local government areas to combat illegal mining.

Mr Abdulsalam, a retired brigadier-general, said the new mining marshals come from the police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and the State Security Service (SSS).

"As time goes on, the state government will set up a full mining marshals unit backed by law as a security body for the state. This will help us recruit more staff, train them, and equip them to protect mining sites, miners, and their companies’ assets," Mr Abdulsalam said.

He pointed out that illegal mining leads to insecurity, immorality, illiteracy, and ecological issues.

Aji Bularafa, the state commissioner for wealth creation, empowerment, and employment generation, noted the rise of unregistered miners in the area. He warned that if this continues, bandits and terrorists might take over mining, causing serious security problems.

Mr Bularafa, a key player in the area, urged stakeholders to work with the government by registering their companies with the state Mining Development Corporation.

Mohammed Bara, the commissioner for energy and transport, said registration offices will open soon in Shishiwaji and Damaturu. He advised locals to only deal with registered miners.

He also warned village heads against selling farmland to unregistered miners, saying it could lead to conflicts. Mr Bara asked stakeholders to be patient, explaining that the new mining reforms aim to clean up the sector for better security and revenue.

In Adamawa State, Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has banned illegal mining to reduce banditry and community fights related to mineral resources.

Mathew Ayuba, the Director of Geology in the state Ministry of Mineral Resources Development, said the ban aims to prevent banditry and communal conflicts.

He mentioned recent disputes in areas like Chobo and Lamurde, which prompted the government to tighten regulations in the sector.

Mr Ayuba also said the government has limited the actions of scavengers exploring mineral-rich areas without permission. He added that the governor set up the Mineral and Environmental Management Committee (MEMCO) to oversee mining activities and ensure environmental rules are followed.

Adamawa has various solid minerals, including monazite, copper, fluorite, lithium, gold, and sapphire. These minerals are found in large amounts across the state’s 21 local government areas, especially in Song, Mubi, Maiha, Jada, Toungo, and Michika.

Mr Ayuba noted that mining in parts of Madagali is still on hold due to security issues linked to insurgency. He explained that the state’s rich mineral deposits come from its position along the Cameroon Volcanic Line, which is significant geologically.

The state Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is working with the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office to check mining records and confirm locations before giving approval to potential operators.

While the federal government issues mining licenses, the state government grants clearance and ensures community consent for applicants.

"The state does not issue mining licenses. What we provide is clearance after checking that the site is free from disputes or conflicting claims. Applicants must also go to relevant traditional institutions for consent letters before applying for federal licenses," he said.

Mr Ayuba stated that this process aims to ensure peaceful relations between mining operators and local communities. He also mentioned that the state has commercial-scale mining operations with investors running mineral processing plants.