The Federal Government of Nigeria has banned all mining activities in the northern state of Zamfara as it continues to crack down on banditry and kidnapping.
At a press conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Adamu told newsmen that mining activities will be halted with immediate effect.
All foreigners on the mining sites have also been asked to vacate the sites following the ban.
The IGP who was flanked by the DG of Department of State Securities, Yusuf Bichi and DG National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Abubakar said the police has declared a security operation code name Operation “Puff Adder” to flush out bandits in Zamafara and in neighbouring states.
“The operation is also to destroy their camps and mop up all illicit arms,” the IGP said.
A statement by the federal government also reiterated this. “Any mining operator who engages in mining activities in the affected locations henceforth will have his licence revoked. All foreigners operating in the mining fields should close and leave within 48 hours.
“The Nigeria Police Force has commenced, in collaboration with the Nigerian Military and other Security Services, “Operation PUFF-ADDER” which is a full-scale security offensive against the bandits.
“The operation is aimed at: – reclaiming every public space under the control of the bandits – arresting and bringing to book all perpetrators of violence in the affected areas, and their collaborators – achieving total destruction of all criminal camps and hideouts, mopping up all illicit weapons fueling the violence and attaining a full restoration of law and order in the affected communities.
“Our commitment to protecting the sanctity of life and property is irrevocable, and we will not scale-down the pressure on the armed bandits until they are totally flushed-out.
In an earlier statement, the police IGP had noted that no police agency anywhere in the world, no matter how well-trained, equipped or motivated, can solely achieve its community security and safety mandate without the support of the community.
He called for the full support and cooperation of the civil populace, particularly, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth associations, market bodies, cultural associations and professionals among others in the fight against criminals especially kidnappers, armed robbers, cattle rustlers amongst others.
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The IGP also made a special appeal to drivers, commuters and indeed all citizens that may come in contact with police officers deployed for the Operation to cooperate with them and show understanding in the interest of public safety.
The IGP however, sounded a note of warning to persons who engage in criminal activities, especially along the Abuja – kaduna Expressway, to give-up their nefarious activities and embrace other legitimate means of livelihood or be prepared to face the full consequences of their actions.
