The Attah of Agoi Ibami in Yakurr LGA, Cross River State, Michael Onun, has expressed deep concerns over his safety and that of his people due to the overwhelming presence of illegal miners in his community. In an exclusive interview, the traditional ruler alleged that since the discovery of gold and other precious minerals, his
Illegal Mining, Unsafe Gas Plant Land Four in NSCDC Custody
The Ebonyi State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended four individuals for illegal mining and the construction of a gas plant in unsafe locations. The suspects were arrested during a raid on a mining site in Ameka, Ezza South Local Government Area, and at a gas plant in Ezzamgbo,
Unlearning the Colonial Roots of Illegal Mining
Illegal mining in Nigeria has deep historical roots. During colonial rule, resource extraction prioritised profit over local development, leading to exploitative practices and informal mining communities. Post-colonial governments inherited these structural issues but struggled to regulate the informal sector effectively. During the colonial period, mining in Nigeria was a central aspect of economic exploitation by
How Financial Targeting Can Disrupt Bandit Operations in Northern Nigeria
For at least 25 years, bandits have plagued northern Nigeria, terrorising and robbing residents, recruiting new members, and fuelling the region’s chronic insecurity. Experts from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organised Crime (GI-TOC) and the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) suggest that Nigerian authorities should shift from military tactics and instead focus
Mining Site Collapse in Plateau State Kills 13
A mining site collapse on Saturday killed at least 13 people in Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State. Dr. Joshua Riti, Chairman of Bassa LGA, confirmed the tragedy and expressed deep sorrow over the high death toll. The collapse of the mining site devastated the community, especially in Bassa, where seven of the
Ebonyi Orders Closure of Four Mining Firms
The Ebonyi State Government has sealed four mining firms for failing to comply with the terms of the Community Development Agreement (CDA) in the state. The affected companies are Anli Mining and Investment Ltd; China Solid Rock 1 and 2, located in Ngodo Amachi in the Afikpo Local Government Area; and Shenglong Mining, located in
EFCC Arrests Five Chinese Illegal Miners in Akwa Ibom
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Uyo Zonal Command has arrested five Chinese nationals for suspected illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State. According to a statement released by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the arrests were made by the commission’s Special Task Force following intelligence reports. The suspects were apprehended at the mining site
Ondo Commends Army’s Swift Interception of Illegal Miners
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources in Ondo State, Rasak Obe, has lauded the troops of the Nigerian Army for their prompt and decisive response against illegal miners in the state. While parading the suspects in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the commissioner called for the support of all stakeholders, stressing that the menace
Underage Children Flock to Zamfara’s Gold Fields
Despite a government ban on illegal mining activities, youths and underage children in Zamfara State continue to engage in artisanal gold mining. This practice has become prevalent due to the high unemployment rates and economic challenges facing the region. According to a recent report, many young people are turning to gold mining as a means
Five Alleged Illegal Miners Arrested by NSCDC in Oyo
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant in Oyo State, Augustine Padonu has announced the arrest of five persons for alleged illegal mining. Padonu stated this in a press briefing on Wednesday where the suspects were paraded in Ibadan. NSCDC operatives intercepted the suspects with two trucks loaded with solid minerals suspected to