Nigeria’s Northern region is in crisis, and former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, is pointing fingers directly at illegal mining activities as a major catalyst for the rampant banditry plaguing the area. In a recent, powerful interview with ARISE NEWS, Sani didn’t hold back, issuing a stern warning that these illicit operations are not just a security threat but are actively in cahoots with the very bandits causing mayhem. He’s calling on the Northern Governors to step up and take decisive, coordinated action. This isn’t just about fighting criminals; it’s about reclaiming ungoverned spaces and understanding the deep-rooted economic and social issues fueling the violence.
Why the Urgency? Governors Must Lead the Charge
Shehu Sani minced no words, stating that the recent meeting of the Northern Governors was “long overdue.” For a staggering 15 years, the North has been under siege from terrorist groups and relentless bandits. While a new administration is in place, Sani emphasizes that a serious, unified regional strategy has been missing. As the chief executives of their respective states, these governors hold the key to spearheading coordinated efforts to combat this escalating criminality. It’s high time they moved beyond talk and into action.
The Deadly Nexus: Illegal Mining and Banditry
One of the most alarming revelations from Sani is the direct link between illegal mining and banditry. He highlights that in states like Zamfara, Niger, and parts of Nassarawa, those involved in illegal mining are often found working hand-in-hand with bandits. This creates a dangerous grey area, making it incredibly difficult to distinguish between a miner and a criminal, especially in the remote hinterlands where these activities are rampant.
A Lucrative, Uncontrolled Enterprise
The scale of the problem is immense. Sani points out that these illegal mining operations generate hundreds of millions of dollars annually, yet they remain largely uncontrolled. This uncontrolled flow of wealth into the hands of criminal elements further empowers them and perpetuates the cycle of violence. It’s a significant component of the Nigerian economy that is not only unaccounted for but actively contributing to the nation’s insecurity.
Suspension: A Necessary First Step?
Sani supports the resolution to suspend mining activities in affected areas. He believes this suspension is crucial because it provides the military and other security agencies with the necessary authority and leverage to enter these previously ungoverned spaces and take decisive action. By disrupting the operations of illegal miners, authorities can begin to reclaim these territories and dismantle the networks that support banditry.
Understanding the Enemy Within
Furthermore, Sani dispels the myth that the bandits are primarily foreign elements. He asserts that the bandits operating in the Northwest are predominantly Fulani, emphasizing that they are Nigerian citizens. This is a critical point for regional leaders to acknowledge: the perpetrators of much of the violence are homegrown, and understanding their local origins is key to finding lasting solutions. It’s a stark reminder that a nation of over 230 million people shouldn’t be held hostage by a relatively small number of criminals.
The Devastating Impact
The consequences of this ongoing insecurity are far-reaching, impacting agriculture, education, and the daily lives of countless Nigerians. The economic drain, coupled with the human cost, demands immediate and comprehensive attention from all levels of government.
Here’s a quick rundown of the key issues:
- Illegal mining directly fuels banditry in Northern Nigeria.
- Northern Governors are urged to take immediate, coordinated regional action.
- Many bandit groups are composed of Nigerian citizens, not just foreign elements.
- Suspension of mining activities can open doors for security operations in ungoverned spaces.
- The uncontrolled, lucrative nature of illegal mining empowers criminal networks.
The fight against banditry and terrorism requires a multi-faceted approach, and addressing the economic drivers like illegal mining is a vital component that cannot be ignored. The Northern Governors have a critical role to play, and the time for decisive action is now.
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