Marafa explained that mining contributes significantly to the security challenges in Zamfara, a state rich in mineral resources. He stated that security agencies and political leaders, including the president, are aware of the identities, locations, and operations of those involved in illegal mining.
The senator argued that the main challenge is the lack of political will to confront the culprits. He noted that previous measures such as telecommunications suspensions, movement restrictions, and mining shutdowns failed due to weak enforcement.
He called on President Tinubu to exercise leadership as the commander-in-chief, urging him to confront all individuals implicated in the mining-banditry network, regardless of their status. While praising the newly appointed defence chief, Marafa warned that no security strategy can succeed if saboteurs remain within the military.
Highlighting the complexity of banditry in the northwest, he described it as a value chain benefiting actors at multiple levels, with illegal mining as a key component. “Mining itself is a contributory factor to this banditry. Banditry has become a value chain, a business in Zamfara and the northwest, and by extension, in Nigeria,” he said. “The president knows who the miners are. Everybody knows what is going on.” Zamfara Security Challenges: What Needs to Be Done
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