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Gold extraction in Zamfara State is becoming increasingly dangerous as criminal groups seek to profit from the mineral trade, with disputes over mining activities reportedly triggering violence and threatening the security of local communities.
The latest developments point to the growing difficulty of separating legitimate mining activities from the influence of armed groups operating across the state. Miners working in affected areas face the risk of attacks, while disagreements over access to mining pits and proceeds can escalate into deadly confrontations.
A report by SBM Intelligence covering October 2 to 8, 2026, documented a confrontation in Bindin, Maru Local Government Area, where an armed group attacked a military installation following a dispute involving local miners.
The incident reportedly stemmed from the killing of a member of a bandit gang by miners. The attack was subsequently claimed by a faction associated with Gwaska through an audio message and photographs. Although initial accounts linked the incident to Lakurawa, the report said the precise relationship between the groups was unclear.
The aftermath exposed further tensions between residents and security personnel. Following the withdrawal of troops from the military position, community members reportedly blocked the soldiers’ convoy to express their displeasure, amid concerns about the security implications of the departure.
The incident has raised questions about the vulnerability of mining communities when security operations are disrupted. Armed groups could use such gaps to increase their influence over mineral extraction sites, demand payments from operators and strengthen their financial resources.
Attempts to regulate mining in Zamfara have faced persistent difficulties. The Federal Government halted mining activities in the state in 2019 as part of efforts to address insecurity, but the prohibition was lifted in December 2024. Informal mining has continued to pose challenges, particularly in areas where enforcement and security remain difficult.
In January 2024, Governor Dauda Lawal directed traditional rulers across the state’s 14 local government areas to stop issuing consent letters for mining activities. The measure was intended to tackle unauthorised mining arrangements linked to the state’s security problems.
SBM Intelligence also drew attention to other security incidents, including attacks on travellers along the Goronyo-Sokoto Road and a deadly clash near Mada in Gusau Local Government Area, in which bandit leader Kachalla Mu’azu and six members of his group were reportedly killed by a rival faction.
The assessment warned that continued rivalry among armed groups could lead to further violence, abductions and extortion, with consequences for farming, transportation and local commerce. It underscored the importance of preventing criminal groups from exploiting mineral resources to finance their activities and expand their territorial control.
