EFCC's Olukoyede Targets Illegal Mining Financiers

Ola Olukoyede, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), announced plans to intensify efforts against illegal mining during a keynote address in Ilorin, Kwara state. He stated that the EFCC would focus on dismantling the financial networks supporting illegal mining, including financiers, mineral buyers, and compromised officials.

Olukoyede highlighted that despite Nigeria's rich mineral resources, corruption and illegal exploitation hinder economic benefits. He reported that from October 2023 to July 2026, the EFCC handled 52 illegal mining cases, leading to investigations, prosecutions, and convictions, along with the forfeiture of 102 tonnes of solid minerals.

He called for enhanced collaboration among various stakeholders, including mining regulators and law enforcement, to effectively combat illegal mining and its associated criminal activities.