The Zamfara State Government has strongly denied circulating claims that it provided large sums of money to notorious bandit leaders under the guise of reconciliation efforts, purportedly to facilitate mining activities funded by the State Security Trust Fund.
Addressing journalists in Gusau, the state capital, Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Nakwada, reaffirmed that the administration does not negotiate with bandits or any criminal group.
“Our administration remains unwavering in its dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties of our people, and we will spare no effort in ensuring the security and well-being of the people of Zamfara,” Nakwada stated.
Zamfara, a state rich in gold and other mineral resources, has been a hotspot for illegal mining, which has been linked to environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and escalating insecurity.
Despite the region’s resources, the state government insists that it has no involvement in mining, with Nakwada emphasizing that the Federal Government’s ban on mining remains in force.
Governor Dauda Lawal has also implemented a statewide ban on mining activities.
Nakwada also denied accusations that funds from the State Security Trust Fund had been used to pay bandits under the pretext of reconciliation.
“The briefing was to address yet another false claim alleging that the State Government gave or is planning to give notorious bandits a huge amount of money under the guise of ‘reconciliation efforts,’” he clarified.
The state has instead focused on improving security, introducing Community Protection Guards, known as Askarawa, to assist conventional security forces in combating banditry.
Additionally, the government has enhanced its surveillance capabilities with advanced systems, allowing for real-time threat detection and response.
Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mahmud Muhammed, also refuted the claims of government involvement in mining.
“As the head of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, I can confirm that His Excellency, Dr. Dauda Lawal, and the entire state government have not engaged in any mining activities.
We receive requests from investors, and we always insist on following due process,” Muhammed stated.
He further reiterated that mining remains under federal jurisdiction, and the state’s hands are tied by the ongoing ban.
Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdul’Aziz Sani (SAN), announced that the government would take legal action against those spreading these allegations.
“This administration is one of seriousness, frankness, and truth.
We will not tolerate any attempts to sabotage or endanger the lives of our people,” he warned.
Sani also noted that the government has already written to relevant authorities as a prelude to legal proceedings.
