Buhari Declares Zamfara ‘No-Fly Zone’, Bans Mining Activities

Nigeria President, Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, declared Zamfara a ‘no-fly zone’ and banned all mining activities in the state.

The National Security Adviser, Maj. Gen Babagaba Monguno, while announcing the development in Abuja noted that it is part of the measures to tackle the security challenges in the north-western state.

Monguno disclosed this after a five-hour National Security Council meeting presided over by Buhari at the Presidential Villa in the nation’s capital.

A no-fly zone, also known as a no-flight zone, or air exclusion zone, is a territory or area established by a military power over which certain aircraft are not permitted to fly.

He further stated that all non-state actors have been placed under surveillance as the Federal Government will not hesitate to use kinetic means to restore normalcy in the country.

The NSA said the country’s defence and intelligence organization have been put on alert and charged not to allow the country to slide into a state of anarchy.

Monguno added that Buhari during the meeting directed the new service chiefs to reclaim all areas under the control of bandits, insurgents, and kidnappers.

President Buhari had earlier in February held a meeting with Zamfara State Governor Mohammed Mattawalle at the State House in Abuja.

The governor after the meeting told journalists at the presidential villa that he was summoned by the President to brief him on the security situation in his state.

Mattawalle added that 358 special police forces have been deployed by the Federal Government to the state to tackle banditry.