Illegal Mining Fuels Terrorism and Banditry in Nigeria

John Onoja, the Assistant Commandant of Corps of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), addressed the rising issues of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crimes in Nigeria, attributing them to illegal mining. During a courtesy visit from the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) led by President Odita Sunday in Abuja, Onoja stressed that disrupting the funding for these criminal activities is essential for improving national security.

He noted that illegal mining provides financial support to bandits and kidnappers, and suggested that making criminality less lucrative could lead to a decrease in these activities. Onoja also highlighted the challenges posed by compromised officials within government institutions who collude with illegal miners, undermining efforts to combat illegal mining.

He mentioned that he has faced numerous investigations by security agencies over unfounded allegations, asserting that the real issue lies in the number of corrupt officials rather than the number of illegal miners.