Zamfara directs security operatives to shoot illegal miners, bandits on sight

Dauda Lawal, governor of Zamfara, has directed law enforcement officials to take stringent action against people caught carrying out illegal mining activities in the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor’s spokesperson, said over the years, illegal mining in Zamfara has fuelled banditry and other criminal activities.

According to the spokesperson, the governor said it is time to end the activity and implement measures to protect the safety and wellbeing of the people.

The governor said as such, security operatives had been given strict orders to take bold action and shoot on sight anyone found engaging in illegal mining.

“The directive is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the good people of Zamfara and deter potential wrongdoers from committing such acts,” the statement quoted Lawal as saying.

“It is also a swift action to enable the state government to be in total control of state resources and block activities that endanger the lives and properties of the people.

“Illegal mining is undeniably one of the driving forces behind the rampant banditry plaguing Zamfara state.

“We must take swift, decisive action to curb this menace and restore peace and security to our communities.”