Illegal mining: A growing threat to peace, security in Plateau

…As Mutfwang suspends all forms of mining activities

… Police reads riot act to illegal miners

In Plateau, illegal mining has become one of the most pressing issues facing the state and threatening not only the state’s environment but its very security. What was once seen as a booming industry has spiraled into a major crisis, with far-reaching consequences that impact both the social and economic fabric of the state.

Illegal mining activities, often uncontrolled and unregulated, have triggered an increase in criminal activities, environmental degradation, and tensions within local communities.

Plateau State, located in the heart of Nigeria, has been experiencing a dramatic rise in illegal mining operations, particularly in the rural parts of the state.

Valuable minerals are being extracted illegally by miners who are often not licensed or equipped to carry out such activities. These miners, driven by the need for survival, operate without regard for the law, local communities, or the environment.

Governor Caleb Mannaseh Mutfwang of Plateau recognising the growing dangers of illegal mining, took decisive action recently by signing Executive Order 001, which prohibits all forms of mining in Plateau State. In his statement, the governor cited increasing insecurity as one of the major reasons behind the order. He said the decision was born out of a growing concern for the safety of residents and the protection of the state’s resources.

The governor stated that the suspension was necessary to curb illegal mining, mitigate land degradation, combat child labour, and address escalating security threats, including the influx of unregulated foreign miners, which has fueled banditry, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms possession in mining communities.

“As the Chief Security Officer of the State, it is my duty to ensure the safety of our people. Given the rising security concerns associated with illegal mining, we must take decisive action. All mining operations are hereby suspended until further notice. This measure is aimed at restoring order and ensuring that Plateau’s resources are harnessed for the benefit of its people,” Governor Mutfwang declared.

“To ensure a structured and sustainable approach to mining in the state, the government will collaborate with the Federal Government, local authorities, host communities, and mineral rights holders to establish a monitoring framework and enforce Community Development Agreements (CDA) that guarantee socio-economic benefits for host communities”.

Governor Mutfwang emphasized: “This suspension is a crucial step towards securing our communities from the threats posed by unregulated mining activities. It is not intended to target individuals or hinder economic progress but rather to ensure that mining is conducted in a responsible and sustainable manner.”

To oversee the implementation of mining reforms, the Governor inaugurated a Technical Committee on Mining Reform, chaired by the Commissioner for Justice, Philemon Dafi.

The committee is tasked with:

Verifying mining licenses to ensure compliance with regulations, Gathering data on mining sites for better resource management. Regulating illegal mining operations to curb environmental and security concerns and recommending designated mining areas to prevent encroachment on residential lands.

The governor explained that the Plateau State Government remains committed to ensuring that mining activities contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic growth while prioritizing security, environmental protection, and community development.

Jacob Gyang Buba, the Gbong Gwom Jos and Chairman of Plateau State Council of Chiefs and Emirs who was present during the signing thanked Governor Mutfwang for taken the decision and assured him of the unwavering support of the traditional rulers towards implementing the Executive Order to safeguard the people and the future of Plateau state.

Plateau technical committee steps up enforcement of mining suspension

Plateau State Technical Committee on Mining Reform said it has ramped up efforts to enforce the suspension of illegal mining activities across the state, following the signing of Executive Order 001, 2025, by Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.

In a press conference in Jos, Peter Gwom, commissioner for Environment, Climate Change and Mining, who read the speech on behalf of the Technical Committee, which is headed by the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, highlighted its commitment to a comprehensive enforcement campaign.

Gwom said the committee was tasked with ensuring that mining activities in Plateau align with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007, and the Mining Regulations 2011.

He explained that the committee’s immediate focus is the verification of Community Development Agreements (CDAs), mining title holders, and cooperatives. This he said is part of an ongoing effort to formalise artisanal mining and eliminate illegal mining activities that have caused extensive environmental degradation and exploitation of local communities.

“The governor inaugurated this Technical Committee, composed of individuals of impeccable integrity from diverse backgrounds(Representatives of state Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Federal Mining Regulatory Agencies, Miners Association, Traditional Rulers, Local Government Chairmen and Security Agencies) to be chaired by the State Commissioner of Justice/Attorney General, with the mandate to engage all stakeholders in the mining sector and develop a framework for ensuring that mining activities in the state align with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007 and Mining Regulations 2011.

This committee is tasked with the following critical responsibilities: One. Verification of Community Development Agreements (CDAs). Two. Verification of title holders and mining cooperatives. Three. Mining Communities Engagement and Sensitization. Four. Advocacy on the need for Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASM’s) to be formalised into mining cooperatives. Five. Generation of data on mining sites, minerals been mined and buying/processing centres. Six. Documentation of degraded lands as a result of illegal mining activities for future reclamation efforts. Our goal is to establish a win-win system where mining activities benefit the Federal Government, the State Government, and the local communities, ensuring that host communities are not exploited but rather empowered through a sustainable and legal mining framework,” Gwom said.

He urged local government chairmen, traditional institutions, and licensed miners to support the temporary suspension of mining activities in their areas.

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He called on artisanal miners to join formal cooperatives to increase their economic gains and ensure that mining operations are conducted in a legal, safe, and environmentally friendly manner. The initiative according to him aims to protect the future of the state’s youth, who are most vulnerable to the dangers of illegal mining.

He also called on security agencies to enforce the executive order strictly, ensuring that mining activities comply with the law.

The commissioner reassured the public that it remains open to constructive suggestions and will continue engaging with stakeholders to ensure that Plateau’s mining sector operates safely and responsibly.

Illegal mining has been linked to various forms of insecurity in the state. Armed groups, including bandits and militant factions, have exploited the lawlessness associated with the practice to further their criminal agenda. Reports indicate that these groups are often heavily armed and clash with security forces, causing fatalities and displacing innocent civilians. The presence of these illegal miners has made it increasingly difficult for law enforcement agencies to maintain control, and it has given rise to a culture of violence.

The economic impact of illegal mining is another significant issue that has stirred debate across the state. Local communities, especially youth, depend heavily on mining for their livelihood. Many of these individuals view illegal mining as their only source of income, given the lack of formal employment opportunities in rural Plateau. For them, it is a matter of survival, with many families depending on the money earned through mining activities to meet basic needs.

However, the effects of illegal mining extend far beyond just the miners. The environmental consequences are devastating. Streams that once served as the lifeblood of local communities have been polluted by harmful chemicals, commonly used in the extraction process. Vegetation is cleared for mining sites, leaving the land barren and unproductive. These environmental changes have further exacerbated the problem of food insecurity in the state, as agricultural activities become increasingly unsustainable in some areas.

The state government, though sympathetic to the plight of miners, has argued that the risks of continued illegal mining far outweigh the benefits. While many of the miners argue that the ban will ruin their livelihoods, the government is committed to finding alternative solutions that can provide stable jobs for the youth. The governor has promised to create new economic opportunities that will reduce the dependence on mining and foster long-term development in the state.

Despite the order, resistance to the ban has been significant. Many miners, particularly young people are demanding that their livelihoods be protected. For these miners, the stakes are high. Without mining, they fear they will be left with no way to support themselves and their families. “Mining is all we know. It’s how we feed our families. What are we supposed to do if they shut it down?” asked Gyang, a young miner in Barkin Ladi.

The situation has sparked an ongoing debate about the balance between development and the protection of human rights. The government has been criticised for what some see as an overreach in its attempt to curb illegal activities without providing adequate alternatives for those affected. Critics argue that without proper support and guidance, the executive order could exacerbate poverty and lead to more frustration among the youth, potentially fueling more unrest.

Police commissioner reads riot act to illegal miners in Plateau

Security experts also warn that illegal mining has contributed to the rise of criminal syndicates in Plateau State.

Emmanuel Adesina, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police, reiterated the commitment of the Police and other security agencies to enforce the Executive Order signed by the Plateau State Government, suspending illegal mining activities in the State.

The Commissioner made this known during a press conference organised by the Plateau State Technical Committee on Mining Reform in Jos.

The Police boss who was represented by S.S Japhthan, deputy commissioner of Police, Department of Operations (DOPs), affirmed that there is enough manpower to execute the State Government’s suspension on illegal mining activities as the operation involves other security agencies in the State.

Adesina warned those who the Executive Order 001 affect to comply with the Order to avoid being trailed, arrested and prosecuted in line with the extant law, adding that, it is better to voluntarily refrain than to be forced to comply with the Order.

He hinted that, the Police and other Security agencies has already made significant deployments to various mining sites in the State and put in place adequate patrol within and around all mining sites to curb the illegal activities.

He urged the good people of Plateau State to support the Police and report any suspicious activity to the command.

The plight of the miners, however, remains a delicate issue. While the government is focused on ensuring that illegal mining does not continue, it is also looking for ways to provide alternatives for those whose livelihoods are tied to the practice. This includes offering training programs in alternative trades and creating new job opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism.

One of the proposed solutions is the development of mining cooperatives that would allow miners to transition into legal, regulated operations. These cooperatives would be part of a broader effort to formalise the mining industry in Plateau and bring it under control, ensuring that the local economy benefits while safeguarding the environment and the security of the people.

However, the success of such initiatives is dependent on the level of government commitment and the cooperation of local miners. For many, the idea of transitioning to a legal mining system seems like an unattainable goal, especially given the challenges of navigating government bureaucracy and securing the necessary resources to operate legally.

The environmental consequences of illegal mining are also expected to take years to reverse. Remediation efforts are already underway, but experts warn that the damage caused by years of uncontrolled mining will take a long time to heal. Restoring polluted water sources, rehabilitating mining sites, and replacing damaged vegetation will require a concerted effort and significant financial investment.

As the state grapples with the challenges of balancing economic growth and environmental protection, the role of local communities cannot be overlooked. It is importance to involve residents in the decision-making process and creating awareness about the long-term consequences of illegal mining. Only through a united effort can Plateau hope to overcome the scourge of illegal mining and secure a more prosperous and peaceful future for its citizens.

The illegal mining crisis in Plateau State is a clear reminder of the complexities that arise when economic needs collide with environmental and security concerns. While the governor’s executive order marks a bold step towards restoring law and order, the true test will lie in how well alternative solutions are implemented and how quickly the state can provide meaningful support to the affected communities. The road ahead is uncertain, but for Plateau State, the challenge of balancing security, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability has never been more urgent.

The executive order banning illegal mining is a necessary but difficult measure aimed at addressing the broader issues of insecurity and environmental destruction in Plateau State. Whether or not it will succeed in achieving its intended goals will depend largely on the government’s ability to offer viable alternatives to miners, protect local communities from further violence, and restore the damaged environment to its former state. The situation remains fluid, but one thing is certain: the effects of illegal mining on Plateau State cannot be ignored, and a comprehensive solution is urgently needed.