Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has raised fresh concerns over the growing use of natural resources—particularly gold—by terrorist groups to fund their criminal operations across the country and the broader West African region.
Speaking at a recent high-level security forum in Abuja, General Musa disclosed that intelligence reports have revealed how illicit mining and the illegal trade of gold are becoming a major source of revenue for insurgent elements operating in parts of northern Nigeria and neighbouring countries. According to him, these groups have shifted tactics, tapping into the largely unregulated and poorly monitored mining sector to sustain their activities, purchase weapons, and expand their recruitment networks.
The Defence Chief warned that this evolving financing strategy poses a serious threat not only to Nigeria’s internal security but also to economic stability, as criminal syndicates are now deeply embedded in illegal mining operations. He noted that these activities often occur in remote, poorly governed regions, making it easier for terrorists to operate undetected while exploiting natural resources meant to benefit the Nigerian people.
General Musa emphasized the urgent need for stronger collaboration between security agencies, regulatory bodies, and traditional institutions to curb the exploitation of mineral wealth by criminal elements. He also called on state governments and mining authorities to enforce tighter controls over artisanal mining sites, many of which have become hotspots for illicit activity.
The revelation adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that non-state actors in conflict-prone regions are increasingly turning to natural resource smuggling as an alternative to traditional funding methods. Experts say this trend mirrors patterns observed in conflict zones elsewhere in Africa, where minerals such as diamonds and coltan have been similarly used to finance armed rebellions.
General Musa’s warning comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying its counter-terrorism efforts, especially in regions like Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger, where illegal mining and insurgent activity appear to overlap. He reiterated the Armed Forces’ commitment to dismantling all financial lifelines of terrorist groups but stressed that winning the war on terror requires a multi-sectoral approach that includes securing Nigeria’s economic assets from exploitation.
As the government continues to combat insurgency and organised crime, the role of the extractive sector in national security is now drawing increased attention — a development that may shape future policy and enforcement efforts in the fight against terrorism.
