President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to intensify their efforts against illegal mining activities across Nigeria. This directive came during a presentation by Course 32 participants of the National Defence College (NDC) in Abuja, where they discussed the potential of the mining industry for national security and development.
In his address, Tinubu emphasized the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of Nigerians and host communities by companies engaged in mineral exploration. He tasked the NDC participants with utilizing their findings from an 11-month study to contribute to the country’s security and development strategies.
This crackdown on illegal mining is part of a broader initiative to regulate the sector, which has been plagued by corruption and has contributed to insecurity in the northern regions of Nigeria. Illegal mining operations have been linked to armed groups, and the government aims to curb these activities to enhance national security and ensure that the country benefits more from its mineral resources.