Illegal mining funds banditry; costs Nigeria $9bn annually – Police

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ajao Adewale, has revealed that illegal mining has become a powerful cartel-driven enterprise bankrolled by influential Nigerians, fuelling banditry and costing the country an estimated $9 billion (N13.7 trillion) annually.

Speaking at a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council on “The Fight Against Illegal Mining: Role of the Media” in Abuja, Adewale described illegal mining as one of Nigeria’s most dangerous national security threats.

“The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) cited that Nigeria loses up to $9 billion (N13.7 trillion naira) annually to illegal mining/gold smuggling in Nigeria. Illegal mining is not just a mere economic crime; it fuels insecurity, degrades our environment, undermines lawful investment, and robs our nation of vital resources.

“Reports have shown that powerful Nigerians are the primary drivers of these operations, using foreigners merely as fronts while banditry and terrorism are bankrolled through this criminal network.”

The police chief listed Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Osun and parts of the FCT as hotspots, noting that over 72 suspects had been arrested in Abuja alone between 2023 and 2024 for illegal mining activities. He stressed that without collaboration between security agencies and the media, the cartels would continue to thrive.

“A global definition of organised criminal mining underscores that when criminal groups control mining at scale, especially in remote, unmonitored areas, the operations resemble cartel-like behaviour. In Nigeria’s context, these networks may exhibit coordinated control over land, extraction and smuggling.

“There are reports of powerful Nigerians behind illegal mining and funding insecurity. The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has pointed to powerful Nigerians as the primary drivers of illegal mining, noting the use of foreigners merely as fronts. He stated that banditry and terrorism are often funded and facilitated by these well-connected individuals, not grassroots artisanal miners.

“In FCT, there has been reportage of illegal mining activities in areas like Gwagwalada, Asokoro, Gaube, Kuje and Katampe Extension, with a combined total of 72 suspects arrested by the NSCDC, POLICE and EFCC between 2023 and 2024.

Also addressing journalists, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, Attah Onoja, cautioned against biased or compromised reportage, warning that illegal mining cartels were sponsoring what he called “rogue journalism” to discredit enforcement efforts.

“We will not cave to any blackmail designed to weaken our resolve. Illegal mining cannot be defeated by enforcement agencies alone, and this is why we are calling on the media to be partners in this fight,” Onoja said.

He disclosed that the Marshals—an enforcement arm of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—had dismantled illegal camps, prosecuted offenders, and restored order in volatile mining corridors since their creation under the Tinubu administration by directive of the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Dele Alake.

While admitting challenges such as entrenched interests and inadequate logistics, Onoja insisted the campaign was crucial to national survival.

“Our message is clear: Nigeria’s mineral wealth belongs to all Nigerians—not to be plundered by a few,” he declared.

The National President of the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dele Ayanleke, echoed the CP’s concerns, warning that illegal mining was sustained by corruption, poverty, and weak governance.

“From child labour in Nasarawa’s lithium fields to mercury poisoning in Zamfara’s gold sites, the costs are severe,” Ayanleke said. “Illegal mining undermines legitimate investors, destroys communities, and fuels insecurity. Only sustained attention — especially from the media — can help dismantle these cartels.”

On her part, the Chairman of NUJ FCT Council, Grace Ike, charged journalists to take the fight beyond ordinary reportage by conducting investigative journalism that exposes financiers, amplifies community voices, and pressures policymakers.

“As gatekeepers of truth, we must investigate, expose, and educate the public on the devastating effects of illegal mining,” she said.

“Our credibility depends on balanced reporting, free of sensationalism, while ensuring transparency and accountability in the sector. As usual we must investigate, expose, and educate the public on the devastating effects of illegal mining, particularly on communities and water resources.

“Through balanced and accurate reporting, the media can illuminate the hidden dangers, portray the human and environmental costs involved, and urge policymakers to take decisive actions.

“The NUJ FCT will continue to champion and amplify the voices of affected communities, ensuring that their stories and struggles are heard nationwide because empowering citizens with information gives them the tools to demand better regulatory oversight and environmental protections.