EFCC's Ola Olukoyede Targets Illegal Mining Financing

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has pledged to intensify its efforts against illegal mining in Nigeria by focusing on the financiers, mineral buyers, and compromised public officials involved in these activities. EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede stated that illegal mining is supported by sophisticated syndicates with both local and international connections.

He emphasized that merely arresting miners at excavation sites is insufficient to tackle the issue. Olukoyede made these remarks during a keynote address at a public lecture and capacity-building workshop organized by the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies and the Human and Environmental Development Agenda in Ilorin, Kwara State.

He revealed that the EFCC recorded 52 illegal mining cases between October 2023 and July 2026, resulting in the forfeiture of 102 tonnes of solid minerals. The EFCC's strategy will involve tracing the proceeds of illegal mining and identifying those who finance and benefit from these operations.

Olukoyede also linked illegal mining to Nigeria's broader security challenges.