UNODC Partners with NSCDC to Combat Illegal Mining Terrorism

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has urged for enhanced collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals to address the connections between illegal mining, organized crime, and terrorism in Nigeria and the broader West African region. This call was made during a strategic visit by a UNODC delegation, led by Tullio Santini, Chief of the Africa Section of the Terrorism Prevention Branch, who commended the Mining Marshals for their enforcement actions.

Assistant Commandant of Corps John Attah, representing NSCDC Commandant-General Prof Ahmed Audi, highlighted the importance of the UNODC as a partner in strengthening the operational capabilities of the Mining Marshals. The meeting also introduced the CONNECT Initiative, aimed at enhancing cooperation among governments to disrupt financial links between criminal networks and terrorist groups, with Nigeria invited to participate in its launch scheduled for November 2026.