Malam Yaya Zaki, a senior official who conducted research for the Abuja-based Non-Governmental Organisation, Search for Common Ground, some years ago, noted that the security situation in Nigeria’s middle-belt region has changed significantly. Zaki’s research, which focused on conflicts between Fulani pastoralists and farmers in nine local governments across Nasarawa, Plateau, and Kaduna States, involved more than 10 million people. He observed that while the region once experienced conflicts primarily between farmers and herders, the nature of the violence has evolved in recent years.
Zaki explained that what is happening now is no longer a mere farmer/herder conflict, but rather the activities of an organised cartel of criminals and bandits, funded by influential oligarchs. These criminal groups, disguised as herders, are armed with AK47 rifles and invade villages to seize land for mining operations. Zaki described this as a “solid minerals war,” highlighting the increasing role of illegal mining in fuelling conflict, particularly in the North-Central region, including Benue. He emphasised that these groups do not bring cattle with them but instead bring miners to exploit valuable minerals, forcing communities to flee.
The old narrative of herders bringing cattle to graze in attacked villages is no longer accurate, according to Zaki. He argued that no herder would risk bringing cattle to a community they have previously attacked, as they would inevitably face retribution. While skirmishes between farmers and herders still occur, they no longer represent the core of the issue, which now centres on the illegal mining of minerals. The recent spate of kidnappings is also seen by some as part of a broader scam, contributing to the complex web of insecurity. Zaki pointed to incidents such as the crisis in Uromi, Edo State, as indicative of the underlying tensions, urging further investigation into such cases.
Supporting Zaki’s analysis, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development revealed a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining in the middle-belt region. Last Thursday, Mining Marshals dismantled a heavily fortified illegal mining site in Rafin Gabas, located in Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The site had been operating for some time, protected by corrupt security personnel who allowed it to evade law enforcement.
Thanks to a coordinated operation, the Mining Marshals were able to penetrate the site, resulting in the arrest of three foreign nationals involved in the illegal activities. Other suspects, however, managed to escape, allegedly with the assistance of security personnel. Dr. Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, praised the operation as a major step forward in the government’s efforts to curb illegal mining. He reiterated the government’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable and ensuring the integrity of the mining sector.
John Attah Onoja, Commander of the Mining Marshals, confirmed that the illegal site had been sealed off and that efforts were underway to capture the fleeing suspects. Investigations are ongoing to uncover any security personnel who may have been complicit in facilitating the illegal mining activities.
