Illicit Mining Fuels Insecurity in Nigeria, AER Report Reveals

The African Economic Research (AER) report indicates that illicit mining is significantly contributing to insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in states like Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau, Niger, Nasarawa, and Benue, which are rich in gold, lithium, and uranium. The report challenges the narrative that ethnic divisions and religious extremism are the primary causes of conflict, instead arguing that economic interests and control over mineral resources are driving factors.

It highlights the role of banditry, which has become increasingly lucrative, likening it to drug trafficking. The report also implicates top military officials and traditional rulers in the violence, asserting that no justice has been served for the affected communities.

Between 2012 and 2018, approximately 97 tons of gold worth billions of dollars were smuggled out of Nigeria. The report warns that Nigeria risks replicating the Democratic Republic of Congo's model of armed groups seizing control of mining areas, further destabilizing the nation.