Security experts have issued a stark warning, stating that persistent violence across Nigeria's North-Central and North-West regions is fueled by a complex mix of illegal mining activities, weak governance structures, and the systematic exclusion of local communities. They caution that applying broad, blanket policy responses risks exacerbating the crisis rather than providing sustainable solutions.
Research Unveils the Mining-Insecurity Nexus
These critical concerns were the central focus of a dissemination and policy dialogue workshop held in Abuja on Monday, December 22, 2025. The event was convened by the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme. During the workshop, new research titled “The Nexus between Mining and Violence in North-Central and North-West Nigeria” was presented to policymakers and stakeholders.
The comprehensive study was conducted by a consortium comprising Levin Sources, the Centre for Conflict Management and Peace Studies (CECOMPS) at the University of Jos, and the Centre for Peace and Development Studies (CPDS) of the Rev. Fr Moses Orshio Adasu University in Makurdi. The findings are based on field evidence gathered from Benue, Plateau, and Kaduna States.
Beyond Blanket Bans: The Call for Targeted Regulation
The research presentation comes at a time of intense national debate on how to tackle illegal mining and its alleged connections to banditry, terrorism financing, and rural violence. Notably, in December 2025, the Northern Governors Forum proposed a six-month suspension of all mining activities in the region to audit licenses and curb criminal financing.
This proposal, however, faced immediate pushback. The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) opposed a blanket ban, advocating instead for stricter enforcement specifically against illegal operators. The policy landscape is further complicated by recent Federal Government decisions, such as lifting the 2021 mining ban in Zamfara State to stimulate the economy, while simultaneously approving a nationwide ban on mineral processing plants in residential areas for environmental reasons.
The study team emphasized a crucial finding: while illegal mining can intersect with insecurity and criminal networks, mining-related violence is rarely driven by mining alone. The researchers identified deeper, systemic drivers including:
- Weak regulatory frameworks and poor governance.
- Unresolved historical land disputes.
- The exclusion of host communities from benefits and decision-making.
- The presence of armed actors who operate with impunity.
According to the analysis, sweeping bans on mining could have severe unintended consequences. Such measures may undermine legitimate livelihoods, discourage vital investment, and deepen local grievances, all while failing to address the root causes of violence.
Charting a Path Forward for Policymakers
Workshop participants, including security officials, development partners, and civil society actors, engaged in robust discussions on how to use this evidence to craft more balanced and effective responses. Key issues raised included:
- The contentious division of authority over mineral resources between federal and state governments.
- The significant economic costs of broad suspensions.
- The urgent need for improved oversight of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
- The paramount importance of implementing conflict-sensitive regulations.
Speaking on behalf of the SPRiNG Programme, Team Leader Dr. Ukoha Ukiwo stated that the research offers timely insights. “Nigeria is at a crossroads in how it responds to mining-related insecurity,” Ukiwo said. “This research provides evidence to help policymakers move beyond blanket bans towards targeted, conflict-sensitive regulation that addresses illegal activity, protects communities, and supports legitimate livelihoods.”
The workshop concluded with interactive sessions exploring practical policy steps, improved institutional coordination, and ways to translate research findings into concrete action at federal, state, and community levels. The SPRiNG Programme reaffirmed its commitment to evidence-based policymaking and inclusive dialogue, particularly in fragile regions.
The SPRiNG Programme is a four-year initiative (2024–2028) funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by Tetra Tech International Development in partnership with Nextier SPD, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD). Its goal is to strengthen conflict management, boost public trust in governance, and create stronger incentives for peace across Nigeria.
