Illegal mining: Media tasked on intensifying vigilance, collaboration with security operatives

By Stanley Onyekwere

Media practitioners have been admonished to intensify vigilance and collaboration with security agencies, so as to defeat the menace of illegal mining that robs Nigeria of its wealth, fuels insecurity, and empowers criminal cartels.
In particular, Journalists were asked to always work together with security agencies, through enforcement, intelligence, and enlightenment, they can protect the resources and secure a safer, more prosperous Nigeria.
This charge was handed down by some security stakeholders, at a media parley/ workshop on Sustaining the Fight Against Illegal Mining: Role of the Media, held yesterday, in Abuja.
Speaking at the event organised by the FCT Council of the Nigeria Union Of Journalists (NUJ), the FCT Commissioner of Police, Ajao Saka Adewale stressed the need for the media to discharge such collaborative role through community engagement, Intelligence sharing, consistent reporting on environmental/health harms and legal consequences, publish data-led investigations that spur prosecutions and deterrence.
Adewale urged Journalists to build local tip networks around mining sites; co-create hotlines with NSCDC/ Police for rapid, verifiable leads while protecting sources.
He noted that the fight against illegal mining is a matter that sits at the very heart of Nigeria’s national security and economic well-being
“Illegal mining is not just a mere economic crime; it is an act that fuels insecurity, degrades our environment, undermines lawful investment, and robs our nation of vital resources.
“Its consequences often spill into banditry, communal clashes, and environmental disasters that weaken the social fabric of our communities.”
According to him, illegal mining has been directly linked to insecurity and the rise to violent crimes such as banditry, kidnapping and armed conflict, especially in states like Zamfara, Katsina, Niger and parts of FCT.
This, he said is due to struggle for control of mineral resources, funding source of bandits, weak law enforcement and corruption, etc.
“The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) cited that Nigeria loses up to $9 billion (N13.7 Trillion Naira) annually to illegal mining/gold smuggling in Nigeria
“National hotspots where there have been recent reportage/research on illegal mining includes states like: Zamfara (gold), Nasarawa (lithium), Kogi (gold/others) and in Kaduna/Niger/Kwara and Osun corridors, where there are ongoing raids and child-labour exposé in lithium fields.
“In FCT There has been reportage of illegal mining activities in areas like Gwagwalada, Asokoro, Gaube, Kuje and in Katampe Extension, with a combined total of 72 suspects arrested by the NSCDC, POLICE and EFCC between 2023 and 2024, as reported in the Punch, Guardian, and The Nations Newspapers”, he stressed.
Similarly, Commandant, Mining Marshal, ACC, Attah John Onoja, noted that the stakeholders’ engagement underscores the firm belief that the fight against illegal mining in Nigeria cannot be won by enforcement agencies alone, but through a broad coalition that includes the government, industry players, communities, and, most importantly, the media.
He added that collaboration underscores Mining Marshals openness to work with other security agencies, legitimate miners, communities, civil society, and the media, in advancing the sector.
According to him: “Since inauguration, we have dismantled illegal mining camps, arrested and prosecuted offenders, ensuring that the emerging policies of the Federal Government for the mining sector are working. And these actions have sent a clear message: Nigeria’s mineral wealth belongs to all Nigerians—not to be plundered by a few.
“With sustained government support and stronger partnerships with stakeholders, we are confident of overcoming them. This brings me to the vital role of the media.
You are not just chroniclers of events—you are partners in nation building. Your work in exposing illegal mining, educating communities, and highlighting the dangers of resource theft helps mobilise public opinion for sustainable mining practices.
“We ask for balanced reportage that reflects the intricacy of our work, and this can only be done by hearing from the other side, and by shunning unverifiable allegations that are essentially false, defamatory and designed to weaken our unwavering resolve to ensure all violators face the law without discrimination.”
On his part, the National President Of Miners Association of Nigeria, Mr. Dele Ayanleke, noted that the fight against it requires continuous effort, and the media plays a critical role in sustaining the battle by informing the public, influencing policy, and mobilizing communities.
He however, opined that the media must be well acquainted with the whole gamut of mining, its laws, regulations and operations, by which, it media will empower itself to do a balanced reporting of the sector, including all forms of illegality around the sector.
Ealier, in a welcome remark, Chairman NUJ -FCT Council, Comrade Grace Ike reiterated that the scourge is a complex problem that calls for multi-sectoral collaboration and robust intervention, hence the need for effective collaboration with security agencies and other stakeholders to address this worrisome menace.
She stated that through balanced and accurate reporting, the media can illuminate the hidden dangers, portray the human and environmental costs involved, and urge policymakers to take decisive actions.
“The NUJ FCT will continue to champion, amplify the voices of affected communities, ensuring that their stories and struggles are heard nationwide because empowering citizens with information gives them the tools to demand better regulatory oversight and environmental protections”, she assured.