The Nigeria Police Force Wednesday revealed that an estimated $9 billion (N13.7 trillion), being proceeds from illegal mining activities, is spent annually on funding banditry and related crimes.
FCT Commissioner of Police Ajao Adewale disclosed this in Abuja at a media parley organised by the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
Adewale, who spoke on “The Fight Against Illegal Mining: Role of the Media”, said illegal mining remains one of Nigeria’s most dangerous national security threats.
He said: “The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) cited that Nigeria loses up to $9 billion (N13.7 trillion) 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.”
While identifying Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, Niger, Kwara, Osun states and parts of the FCT as hotspots, the CP said over 72 suspects were arrested in Abuja alone between 2023 and 2024 for illegal mining activities.
Stressing the role of the media in the fight against the menace, the police chief said: “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 speaking, Commander of the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Attah Onoja, disclosed that revenue accruing from the mining sector to government increased from just about six billion naira to over N38 billion within one year of the establishment of the special squad.
Onoja urged the media to join in the fight against illegal mining, and cautioned against biased or compromised reportage.
According to him, 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, disclosing that the Marshals, an enforcement arm of the NSCDC had dismantled illegal camps, prosecuted offenders, and restored order in volatile mining corridors since its creation,” he said.
While acknowledging the challenges of 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.
Onoja said the security outfit had dismantled illegal camps, prosecuted offenders, and restored order in volatile mining corridors since coming into existence under the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led government.
Also speaking at the occasion, 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. Illegal mining undermines legitimate investors, destroys communities, and fuels insecurity. Only sustained attention — especially from the media — can help dismantle these cartels,” Ayanleke said.
On her part, Chairman of the 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 pressure policymakers.
Ike said: “As gatekeepers of truth, we must investigate, expose, and educate the public on the devastating effects of illegal mining.”
“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.”
“As gatekeepers of truth, we must investigate, expose, and educate the public on the devastating effects of illegal mining,” she said.
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