Jigawa mining expansion risks inviting banditry, crime, ADC warns

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Nigeria's Jigawa State has voiced strong concerns over the state government's plans to expand mining operations. The party warns that without robust security measures, these expansions could destabilize the region, inviting banditry, kidnapping, and ransom-related crimes. This caution comes at a time of widespread insecurity and economic hardship across the nation.

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The party cautioned the government against inadvertently opening a new security frontier in a state that has remained relatively peaceful compared to other North-West states.

The ADC's position follows the recent establishment of the Mineral Resources and Environmental Management Committee (MIREMCO) by the state government, aimed at boosting solid mineral development and revenue. However, the party's Deputy State Chairman, Ambassador Nuraddeen Jidawa, emphasized that security must precede any opening of mineral-bearing areas. He stated, "While the objective of formalizing mining and improving revenue generation was laudable, security must come first before opening up mineral-bearing areas."

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While the objective of formalizing mining and improving revenue generation was laudable, security must come first before opening up mineral-bearing areas.

Jidawa pointed to the infiltration of foreigners in troubled areas nationwide as a reason for the government to conduct a thorough security assessment before expansion. He warned that unregulated mining activities could provide a foothold for bandits, illegal miners, criminal financiers, arms traffickers, and smugglers. Citing the negative examples of Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna states, where similar issues have fueled banditry and kidnapping, the ADC stressed that Jigawa's relative peace is a strategic asset that must be protected proactively.

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if not properly regulated, mining activities could create an avenue for bandits, illegal miners, criminal financiers, arms traffickers and smugglers to establish footholds in Jigawa.

The party questioned the existing security architecture designed to prevent Jigawa's mineral deposits from attracting criminal elements. The ADC urged the government not to wait until mining camps are established, communities attacked, or criminal financiers penetrate the mineral economy before taking preventive action. They called for comprehensive security mapping and assessment of all proposed mining areas.

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Jigawa cannot afford to create another avenue through which criminal networks, illegal miners or other security threats could gain access to our communities.