Yobe Moves To Regulate Mining Activities

Stakeholders in Yobe State have raised fresh concerns over the security implications of illegal mining following the discovery of gold deposits in parts of Gulani and Gujba local government areas, prompting the government’s resolve to regulate the sector and prevent a resurgence of instability.

The concerns were expressed during a stakeholders’ engagement on mining and community development held at Ceders Shopping and Recreation Complex in Damaturu, the state capital.

The event was attended by government officials, traditional leaders and other key actors, who deliberated on the opportunities and risks associated with the emerging mineral resources.

The chairman of the stakeholders’ forum, Aji Yerima Bularafa, said that gold deposits had been identified in several communities across the affected local government areas, attracting an influx of individuals, including non-indigenes, seeking to exploit the resources.

He warned that unregulated mining activities could trigger fresh security challenges, drawing parallels with experiences in other parts of the country where mineral discoveries have fueled conflict and criminality.

According to him, the state government, under the leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni, is taking proactive measures to safeguard communities by coordinating mining activities and preventing the emergence of lawlessness.

Providing insight into the government’s approach, the managing director of the Yobe Mining Development Company, Bamodu Yerima, explained that before recent interventions, mining across the state was largely artisanal and unregulated.

He noted that the government has since moved to reorganise, register, and formalise local miners, transforming them into legal operators under a structured system.

Yerima confirmed that illegal mining activities have been suspended, particularly in areas where new mineral deposits have been identified, adding that efforts are ongoing to ensure that only licensed operators engage in mining activities.

On the extent of the discovery, he explained that exploration is still at an early stage, with preliminary reconnaissance surveys confirming the presence of gold, while detailed data on quantity and distribution remains under investigation.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd), underscored the strong link between illegal mining and insecurity, warning that unregulated mineral exploitation could create fertile ground for criminal activities.

He cited examples from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, where competition over mineral resources has historically contributed to violence and instability.

According to him, illegal miners are often individuals accustomed to operating in volatile environments, making them difficult to control and capable of exacerbating insecurity.

He further warned that the situation in Gulani is particularly sensitive due to its proximity to the Timbuktu Triangle, an area previously affected by insurgency, noting that the presence of valuable minerals could attract terrorist groups seeking alternative sources of funding.

“Illegal mining and insecurity are closely linked and often go hand in hand,” he said, stressing the need for decisive preventive measures.

To address the emerging challenges, Abdulsalam disclosed that the state government is working towards establishing a specialised mining marshal outfit that will be responsible for securing mining areas, protecting assets, and enforcing compliance with regulations.

He added that while security enforcement is critical, government must also ensure that host communities benefit from mining activities to discourage local collaboration with illegal operators.

The engagement also highlighted the need for sustained collaboration between government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and host communities to ensure that the state harnesses its mineral resources for economic development without compromising peace and stability.

The stakeholder forum is expected to inform policy direction and strengthen regulatory frameworks aimed at promoting responsible mining practices in Yobe State.