Nigeria launches initiative to tackle terrorist, criminal financing in solid minerals sector
The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and with support from the Government of Canada, has unveiled a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening the nation’s capacity to counter criminal and terrorist financing associated with the solid minerals sector.
The initiative is designed to fortify Nigeria’s criminal justice architecture in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting illicit financial flows, money laundering, and conflict financing stemming from illegal mining operations. The program will also build the capacity of law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and judiciary personnel in financial crime investigations specific to the mining industry.
Strengthening enforcement through innovation
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, officials confirmed that the initiative will deliver targeted training and new investigative tools to dismantle the financial networks that sustain illegal exploitation of mineral resources.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, emphasized the government’s determination to eliminate illegal mining, highlighting the creation of a specialized security unit—the Mining Marshals as a central pillar of enforcement.
“The Mining Marshals have made notable progress in arresting and prosecuting individuals involved in illicit mining,” Alake stated. “Their operations are sending a clear signal: illegal mining will no longer be tolerated in Nigeria.”
Alake further announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the deployment of a satellite-based surveillance system to monitor mining activities across the country. The real-time tracking system will bolster law enforcement capabilities by enabling swift detection and response to unauthorized operations, particularly in remote areas.
The project has received funding from the Canadian Government, reflecting growing international interest in supporting Nigeria’s reforms in the mining sector. The initiative aims to foster legal mining practices, enhance transparency, and ensure that mineral wealth contributes to sustainable national development.
Tom Parker, UNODC’s Project Coordinator on Counter-Terrorism, commended the Nigerian government’s efforts, particularly the formation of the Mining Marshals. He reaffirmed UNODC’s commitment to supporting the project’s full rollout in partnership with the Ministry.
“This initiative represents a crucial step toward disrupting the financial systems that fuel terrorism and organized crime in Nigeria’s mining regions,” Parker said.
The program forms part of broader reforms intended to sanitize the solid minerals sector, strengthen institutional accountability, and create a more secure and investment-friendly environment for legitimate operators.
