Unregulated Mining Threatens Investment, Security – Expert

A security expert and peace advocate, Otunba Adejare Rewane Adegbenro, has identified illegal mining and resource exploitation as one of the most under-reported drivers of Nigeria’s security crisis, warning that persistent focus on ethnic and religious narratives has obscured deeper causes of violence. Speaking in an interview, the expert said Nigeria’s insecurity — including banditry, […]

A security expert and peace advocate, Otunba Adejare Rewane Adegbenro, has identified illegal mining and resource exploitation as one of the most under-reported drivers of Nigeria’s security crisis, warning that persistent focus on ethnic and religious narratives has obscured deeper causes of violence.

Speaking in an interview, the expert said Nigeria’s insecurity — including banditry, kidnapping and terrorism — is increasingly linked to criminal economic activities, particularly unregulated mining.

He noted that illegal mining sites often attract armed groups, facilitate arms trafficking and provide funding channels for violent networks.

He stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges did not begin with the current administration but have evolved over decades due to governance gaps, porous borders, climate pressures and underdevelopment in remote areas.

However, Adegbenro said recent reforms indicate a shift toward strategic recalibration within the country’s security architecture.

According to him, steps taken under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the reshuffling of service chiefs and the appointment of a former Chief of Defence Staff as Minister of Defence, have improved coordination and operational coherence among security agencies.

The expert also highlighted the role of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, noting that Nigeria has strengthened international counter-terrorism cooperation through intelligence sharing, capacity building and technical support with key global partners.

On the domestic front, he said renewed emphasis on community-based security mechanisms, such as forest and ranger units, reflects recognition of the importance of local intelligence, while cautioning that strict oversight is required to prevent infiltration or abuse.

He urged citizens to support security agencies through timely intelligence, while noting that sustained peace is essential to Nigeria’s economic growth and long-term national stability.