EXCLUSIVE: Armed Bandits Run Illegal Gold Mine in Katsina Forest — Katsina Times Investigation
By Our Reporters
A special investigation by Katsina Times has uncovered a secret gold mining operation deep within the Baranda forest in the Nahuta district of Batsari Local Government Area, Katsina State — fully controlled by armed bandits.
According to findings from residents and evidence gathered by our undercover reporters, the mining activities are not only supervised by the bandits, but they also dictate operations and control the distribution of profits. Local miners reportedly share proceeds on a 50-50 basis with the armed groups, who in turn provide protection and grant permission to operate.
On April 30, 2025, Katsina Times reporters infiltrated the forest in disguise to verify these claims. They found the site active and crowded with labourers working around the clock under highly dangerous conditions.
During the visit, a teenage worker fell into a pit, prompting a swift rescue by co-workers, who rushed him to a hospital in Batsari for treatment.
The site is heavily guarded and extremely hazardous, forcing journalists to document the operation covertly to avoid confrontation or harm.
This investigation is part of an ongoing series by Katsina Times aimed at uncovering hidden realities behind insecurity in the state and spotlighting areas where peace and law enforcement remain elusive.
@Katsina Times
[www.katsinatimes.com](http://www.katsinatimes.com)
