Key Points
- Artisanal miners say illegal tin mining is fuelling insecurity in Plateau State.
- They allege abandoned mining sites have become hideouts for kidnappers and armed robbers.
- Miners are calling for a crackdown on illegal operators and better profiling of workers.
- They also want stronger collaboration between government, regulators and security agencies.
Main story
Artisanal miners in Zawan and Bukuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, have attributed the recent rise in criminal activities in the area to illegal tin mining and the proliferation of unregulated mining sites.
The miners, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said abandoned mining pits had become hideouts for criminal gangs involved in theft, armed robbery and kidnapping.
Mr Abel Dung, an artisanal miner with more than 15 years of experience, said mining activities were previously better organised, with operators required to obtain licences before commencing operations.
He said the situation had changed as illegal miners now occupied abandoned mining sites, which he claimed were being used by criminals at night.
“Today, illegal miners have taken over abandoned pits, and at night, those same places are used by thieves and kidnappers,” Dung said.
Mrs Paula Pam also blamed the worsening security situation on the influx of undocumented miners from outside the community.
According to her, the absence of proper documentation has made it difficult for security agencies to identify and monitor those operating at illegal mining sites.
“These illegal operators don’t care about community safety. That is why they leave behind open pits that are now used as criminal dens in the state,” she said.
The representative of artisanal miners in Zawan, Mr Dongs Chollom, called on the Plateau State Government and mining regulatory agencies to intensify efforts to eliminate illegal mining activities.
He also urged traditional rulers and security agencies to profile all individuals working at mining sites across Jos South as part of measures to improve security.
The issues
Illegal mining has remained a major challenge in several mineral-producing communities across Nigeria, contributing to environmental degradation, revenue losses and security concerns. Stakeholders have repeatedly called for stronger regulation and enforcement to address the activities of illegal operators.
What’s being said
“Today, illegal miners have taken over abandoned pits, and at night, those same places are used by thieves and kidnappers.” — Abel Dung, artisanal miner
What’s next
The miners are urging the Plateau State Government, mining regulators and security agencies to strengthen enforcement against illegal mining and improve monitoring of mining communities to curb criminal activities.
Bottom line
Artisanal miners say tackling illegal mining and strengthening oversight of mining sites will be critical to addressing the growing security challenges in parts of Plateau State.
