UNODC and NSCDC Collaborate Against Illegal Mining

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has intensified its partnership with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals to address illegal mining and its connections to organized crime and terrorism in West Africa and the Sahel. During a visit led by Mr. Tullio Santini, Chief of the Africa Section of the Terrorism Prevention Branch, the UNODC praised the Mining Marshals for their increasing effectiveness, evidenced by a rise in arrests and prosecutions.

The discussions included the UNODC CONNECT Initiative, introduced by Mr. Robert Haslinger, aimed at enhancing cooperation among governments and law enforcement to disrupt financial ties between criminal networks and terrorist groups. This initiative is scheduled for launch in November 2026, with Nigeria invited to participate.

Assistant Commandant of Corps John Onoja Attah represented the NSCDC and emphasized the need for the Mining Marshals' inclusion in the CONNECT Initiative to better address the nexus between illegal mining and terrorism, which is critical to Nigeria's national security.