In Zamfara state, governor Dauda Lawal has ordered security operatives in the state to shoot at sight anyone found engaging in illegal mining activities in the state.

He gave the directive on Saturday when he issued a ban on illegal mining activities across the state as revealed in a statement made available to Radio Nigeria in Gusau by his Senior Special Assistant (Media and Publicity) Sulaiman Bala Idris.

He said: “The directive is necessary to ensure the safety and security of the good people of Zamfara and deter potential wrongdoers from committing such acts.

The governor ordered law enforcement agencies to take stringent action against violators.

“It’s time to end this destructive activity and implement measures to protect the safety and well-being of the people. the statement said

According to Sulaiman Idris, over the years, illegal mining in Zamfara State has fuelled banditry and other criminal activities in the state.

He said the decision was a swift action to enable the State Government to be in total control of state resources and block activities that endanger the lives and property of the citizens.

“Illegal mining is undeniably one of the driving forces behind the rampant banditry plaguing Zamfara State. We must take swift, decisive action to curb this menace and restore peace and security to our communities.” the statement added