The Kaduna State Commissioner for Environment, Abubakar Buba has announced a significant reduction in illegal mining activities across the state, attributing this success to enhanced surveillance measures and a revitalized governmental approach under the current administration.
In a recent ministerial briefing, facilitated by the Office of the Principal Private Secretary, Prof. Bello Ayuba, the Commissioner highlighted the state’s commitment to curbing unauthorized mining operations that have long plagued the State. He emphasized that the deployment of advanced monitoring technologies and increased field inspections have been pivotal in detecting and dismantling illegal mining sites.
This development aligns with the federal government’s broader initiative to combat illegal mining nationwide.
Earlier this year, the Federal Executive Council approved a ₦2.5 billion investment in satellite surveillance technology to monitor mining activities in real-time, aiming to track extraction volumes, monitor truck movements, and assess security situations at mining sites.
It would be recalled that the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kaduna State has recently intensified its efforts, warning illegal miners to vacate mining sites or face arrest and prosecution.
The NSCDC’s enhanced surveillance activities are part of a broader strategy to protect the state’s solid mineral resources and ensure compliance with mining regulations.
The Commissioner also noted that the state’s approach includes community engagement and education, aiming to inform local populations about the legal and environmental implications of illegal mining.
By fostering collaboration between government agencies, security forces, and local communities, Kaduna State is making strides toward sustainable and lawful mining practices.
Security experts have also observed that illegal mining often serves as a funding source for banditry and violent criminal networks, especially in mineral-rich belts. With Kaduna’s aggressive clampdown on such illicit operations, the state may experience a corresponding decline in rural bandit attacks, as criminal elements are gradually stripped of access to revenue from mineral exploitation.
These concerted efforts reflect a growing recognition of the need to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral wealth and promote responsible resource management. As Kaduna State continues to implement these measures, it sets a precedent for other regions grappling with the challenges of illegal mining.
