Media Tasked To Lead Fight Against Illegal Mining, Insecurity

Security agencies and mining industry have urged journalists to step up efforts in exposing illegal mining, warning that the practice fuels insecurity, drains billions in revenue, and devastates communities.

They stated this at a media Parley in Abuja organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, with the theme: “The Fight Against Illegal Mining: Role of the Media.”

Speaking at the media Parley, the Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Ajao Adewale, noted that Nigeria loses about $9 billion annually to illegal mining and gold smuggling, citing data from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.

“Illegal mining is not just a mere economic crime, it fuels insecurity, undermines lawful investment, and robs our nation of vital resources,” Adewale said”.

He stated further that the practice depletes foreign exchange earnings, destroys farmlands, displaces communities, and leaves behind toxic health risks.

According to him, hotspots of illegal mining include Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kaduna, and Niger states, as well as areas within the Federal Capital Territory such as Gwagwalada, Kuje, and Katampe.

” Joint operations with other security agencies have led to the arrest of at least 72 suspects between 2023 and 2024″.

Adewale warned that cartels are often financed by powerful Nigerians using foreign nationals as fronts, echoing earlier claims by the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake.

“Illegal mining robs Nigeria of its wealth, fuels insecurity, and empowers criminal cartels. But with the resolve of security agencies and the vigilance of the media, this menace can be defeated,” he said.

On his part, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC A. J. Onoja, said the elite enforcement unit under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,, NSCDC, was created to sanitize the sector, dismantle illegal camps, and protect mineral wealth from cartels.

He cautioned that “rogue journalism” or biased reporting could undermine enforcement, citing a past incident in Nasarawa where a misrepresented media report was allegedly sponsored by vested interests.

“Billions of naira have been lost, land has been degraded, and communities destabilized. The Mining Marshals were established to reverse this trend, and progress is being made,” Onoja said.

Industry expert and the President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, MAN, Dele Ayanleke, warned that illegal mining perpetuates child labour, environmental disasters, and revenue loss.

He recalled the 2012 Zamfara lead poisoning disaster, which killed hundreds of children and sickened thousands, as a stark reminder of the risks.

“Illegal mining is persistent because of poverty, unemployment, high mineral demand, and corruption. Short-term crackdowns are not enough. Sustained efforts and reforms are needed,” he said.

NUJ FCT Chairman Grace Ike called on journalists to intensify investigations, spotlight community struggles, and hold authorities accountable.

“As gatekeepers of truth, our duty is to investigate, expose, and educate the public on the devastating effects of illegal mining,” she said.

She added that the NUJ would continue to amplify community voices and urged journalists to leverage digital platforms to counter misinformation and push for sustainable reforms.

Salihu Tejumola