UN, NSCDC partner to tackle illegal mining terror funding

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for enhanced cooperation between the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshals and law enforcement agencies to combat illegal mining, organized crime, and terrorism in Nigeria and the Sahel region. Speaking during a strategic visit to the Mining Marshals Corps, the UNODC delegation commended the specialized unit for its growing role in tackling illegal mining and related criminal activities.

The delegation's Chief, Tullio Santini, noted that the rising number of arrests and prosecutions demonstrated Nigeria's commitment to tackling illicit mining trade. The visit also marked the introduction of the UNODC Coordination through Operational Networks against the Crime-Terrorism Nexus initiative by a Swedish police expert, which aims to strengthen cooperation among governments and law enforcement agencies in disrupting connections between organized criminal networks and terrorist groups.

The initiative, set to launch in November 2026, has invited Nigeria to participate. The Mining Marshals, drawing from the NSCDC, play a unique role within Nigeria's security apparatus, reporting to both the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. While their primary mandate is to suppress illegal mining, the officers also support broader national security operations.

The UNODC's commendation of the Mining Marshals' institutional structure and broad operational mandate highlighted their ability to handle illegal mining cases from intelligence gathering to arrest, investigation, and prosecution. The officials also praised the unit's use of non-kinetic measures, such as stakeholder engagement and community outreach, in addressing illegal mining.