By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has raised the alarm over the growing connection between illegal mining, organised crime and terrorism in Nigeria.

The agency disclosed this during an engagement with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals in Abuja, where officials discussed measures to disrupt criminal networks profiting from the illegal exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.

The UNODC called for stronger intelligence sharing, enhanced security cooperation and improved mechanisms for tracing the proceeds of illegal mining, warning that funds generated from the illicit trade could be channelled into terrorism and other forms of organised crime.

The agency also stressed the need for closer collaboration among security agencies, government institutions and other stakeholders to identify and dismantle networks involved in illegal mining and the movement of illicit funds.

The development further underscores the fact that illegal mining is no longer merely an economic and environmental challenge but has increasingly become a national security concern. Authorities are therefore being urged to intensify efforts to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources while preventing criminal groups from exploiting the sector to finance violent activities.