Zamfara govt denies claim of funding terrorism
The Zamfara State Government has refuted allegations that it provided substantial financial support to notorious bandit leaders under the guise of reconciliation to facilitate mining activities in the state.
The accusations claimed that funds from the State Security Trust Fund were used in these operations.
In a press briefing held in Gusau, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Nakwada, firmly dismissed the reports. He also reaffirmed that the state government maintains a strict policy of non-negotiation with bandits or any criminal groups.
Zamfara State is rich in gold and other minerals, making it a hotspot for illegal mining activities, which have contributed to environmental damage, loss of government revenue, and increased insecurity.
The state government, however, denied involvement in mining activities, noting that the Federal Government’s ban on mining remains in effect, with Governor Dauda Lawal enforcing the prohibition throughout the state.
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Nakwada clarified, “The state government has not funded any bandit leaders under the pretext of reconciliation. Our administration is committed to protecting the lives and property of our people, and we are taking every measure to ensure the security of Zamfara State.”
He also highlighted the introduction of Community Protection Guards, known as Askarawa, to support security forces in combating banditry. The state has also bolstered its technical capabilities with advanced surveillance systems to improve its ability to detect and respond to threats in real-time.
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Mahmud Muhammed, the Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, also denied the state’s involvement in mining activities, affirming that no mining has been conducted in Zamfara under the current administration.
He stressed, “Mining is on the exclusive list and belongs to the Federal Government.”
The Attorney General of Zamfara State, Abdul’Aziz Sani (SAN), added that the government plans to take legal action against those responsible for spreading these false claims.
“This administration is one of seriousness and truth. We are not here to play games with the lives of our people,” Sani remarked.
