Nineteen northern governors and traditional rulers have asked the Federal Government to suspend mining for six months, citing illegal mining as a major driver of insecurity in the region. The leaders, who met in Kaduna, also proposed a N228 billion joint security fund to support coordinated operations as communities continue to face school raids, mass kidnappings and violent attacks. President Bola Tinubu has declared a nationwide security emergency and ordered rapid recruitment into security agencies.
Illegal mining has been linked to banditry, with criminal groups controlling mine sites and trading gold through regional and international networks. Officials, including the Minister of Solid Minerals and some lawmakers, allege that influential individuals and foreign nationals are involved. Previous mining bans, such as in Zamfara, failed to reduce violence as bandits retained control of sites. Authorities say improved regulation, stronger security and community engagement are needed to curb the crisis.