When Gold Becomes Blood Money: NUJ, Security Agencies Raise Alarm
…Stakeholders Warn Cartels Fueling Insecurity, Urge Journalists To Dig Deeper
Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
Nigeria is losing an estimated ₦41.1 billion and $9 billion annually to illegal mining and gold smuggling — a double blow that stakeholders say is fuelling insecurity, draining foreign exchange, and robbing the nation of critical revenue.
This concern was raised in Abuja on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, during a media parley themed “Sustaining the Fight Against Illegal Mining: The Role of the Media,” organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council.
NUJ FCT Chairperson, Comrade Grace Ike, described illegal mining as a national emergency threatening the economy, security, and environment. She urged journalists to go beyond routine reportage and embrace investigative journalism.
“As gatekeepers of truth and agents of accountability, our duty goes beyond mere reportage. We must investigate, expose, and educate the public on the devastating effects of illegal mining,” she said.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao Saka Adewale, linked the crime directly to rising insecurity in Zamfara, Niger, and parts of the FCT.
“Illegal mining robs our nation of vital resources. It is directly tied to banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes. According to NEITI, Nigeria loses about $9 billion annually to illegal mining and gold smuggling,” he warned.
Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC A. J. Onoja, said the unit — created by the Federal Government — has dismantled camps and prosecuted offenders. But he cautioned that enforcement alone is insufficient.
“The fight against illegal mining cannot be won by security agencies alone. It requires government, communities, industry players, and most importantly, the media,” Onoja stressed.
He urged balanced reporting, warning against attempts by suspects to manipulate the press to “spin” their cases as victimisation.
President of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Dele Ayanleke, added that illegal operators discourage legitimate investors, undermine reforms and deprive the country of revenue.
The workshop also highlighted the broader impact: polluted water sources, deforestation, unsafe mining practices, child labour, and worsening insecurity in mineral-rich areas.
Participants concluded with a strong call for journalists to sustain public pressure, expose cartels, and hold both government and operators accountable.
As Nigeria pushes to diversify its economy, stakeholders warned that illegal mining is no longer about stolen gold or granite but about stolen futures.