Illegal mining costs Nigeria 13.7trn annually, bankrolls banditry – FCT Police Commissioner
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Ajao Adewale, said illegal mining is fueling banditry and costing the country an estimated N13.7 trillion annually.
According to him, illegal mining has become a powerful cartel-driven enterprise bankrolled by influential Nigerians.
Speaking at an event 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.
He said 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.
“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.
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.
Illegal mining costs Nigeria 13.7trn annually, bankrolls banditry – FCT Police Commissioner
