Nigeria’s illegal mining crisis has assumed a dangerous dimension, with 374 illegal mining sites uncovered across 17 states, as the rush for gold, lithium and other valuable minerals continues to expose workers and communities to deadly mining pits, environmental destruction and security threats.
The latest findings were contained in an extensive investigation by Vanguard, which revealed the scale of illegal mining activities across different parts of the country.
The Federal Government, through the Mining Marshals, identified 374 illegal mining sites between March 2024 and August 2026. Of the sites identified, 108 have been cleared, while 743 suspects were arrested.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, also disclosed that 165 cases involving 430 accused persons are being prosecuted, with five convictions secured so far.
The 17 states and reported mining locations
According to Vanguard’s state-by-state findings, illegal or unauthorised mining activities have been reported in the following states:
- Zamfara — Gold
Mining activities were reported around Maru, Anka, Bukkuyum, Talata Mafara and Zurmi. Vanguard reported that gold mining in parts of the state has intersected with security concerns, including banditry.
- Niger — Gold and other minerals
Reported mining areas include Lapai, Katcha, Kontagora, Mariga, Minna, Shiroro, Rafi, Suleja, Agwara, Borgu, Munya and Paikoro. Gold mining is particularly prominent around Minna, Kontagora, Rafi, Paikoro, Magama and Shiroro.
- Plateau — Multiple minerals
Mining activities were reported around Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Bassa, Riyom, Wase, Bokkos and Mangu, with the state having experienced repeated mining-related accidents and deaths.
- Kogi — Gold and other minerals
Kogi has been identified as a major area of concern. The Federal Government previously deployed Mining Marshals to Yagba East, while communities in Ankpa and Omala have also raised concerns over mining activities and environmental degradation.
- Nasarawa — Lithium
Mining activities have been reported particularly in Kokona, Wamba and Nasarawa Eggon. Kokona attracted major enforcement attention following the prosecution of Chinese and Nigerian nationals over alleged illegal lithium mining.
- Taraba — Gold, sapphire, topaz and other minerals
Reported locations include Mayokam and Gangtu in Bali, the Mambilla Plateau in Sardauna, Takum, Ardo-Kola and Gassol. Vanguard also reported activities across Sardauna, Karim Lamido, Bali, Gashaka, Kurmi, Ussa and Yorro LGAs.
- Ebonyi — Lead, zinc and other minerals
Mining and abandoned pits have been reported around Abakaliki, Ikwo, Izzi, Ezza South, Ebonyi and Ishielu, with particular concerns around Okposi Umuoghara, Enyigba, Ameka and Ishiagu.
- Bauchi
Illegal mining has particularly raised concerns around Alkaleri and neighbouring border communities, where authorities have linked uncontrolled mining to wider security concerns.
- Kaduna — Gold, tin, lithium and gemstones
Mining activities were reported in Birnin Gwari, Sanga, Jema’a and Kubau. Vanguard also identified communities in Birnin Gwari and Jema’a where mining has taken place.
- Kebbi — Gold
Mining activity has been reported particularly in Yauri, where Mining Marshals, supported by other security agencies, carried out an operation against informal mining activities.
- Adamawa — Gold and other minerals
Mining activities were reported around Song, Mubi, Maiha, Jada, Toungo and Michika. The state government also ordered a ban on illegal mining in Lamurde following a crisis in the area.
- Benue
Mining activities have continued particularly around Kwande and Logo, with affected communities including Mbagber, Tombo, Ukemberagya/Tswarev and Ayilamo.
- Osun — Gold
Illegal mining has particularly affected Osun East, including Ifeland and Ijesaland. Specific communities mentioned include Ibodi, Ijanna Wasare, Itagunmodi, Ayegunle, Iwara, Igangan, Kajola, Iponda, Ikinyinwa and Ilase. Mining activities have also been reported around Ile-Ife, Ifetedo and Ifewara.
- Oyo — Gold and gemstones
Reported locations include Oke-Ogun, Iwajowa, Iseyin, Itesiwaju, Atisbo, Kajola and Irepo, as well as parts of Ido, Egbeda and Lagelu. The Lagos-Ibadan quarry axis and Itasa in Iwajowa were also mentioned.
- Ogun — Lithium, gold and quarrying
Illegal mining has been reported around Ogere in Ikenne, Ode-Remo in Remo North, the Omi-Ogunmakin-Odede axis and other border communities.
- Edo — Gold, lithium and other minerals
Reported locations include Okpella, Ososo and the Egbetua forest axis in Etsako East and Akoko-Edo, as well as Erhua near Ehor and Iruekpen.
- Kwara — Gold and lithium
Mining activities have been reported in Kaiama and Bani, with gold and lithium among the minerals attracting operators.
743 suspects arrested
The Federal Government says the Mining Marshals have arrested 743 suspects since the enforcement campaign began, while 430 accused persons are involved in 165 ongoing cases.
The government has also secured five convictions, while continuing efforts to shut illegal mining operations and protect licensed mining concessions.
Deadly consequences
Beyond the economic implications, the Vanguard investigation highlights the human cost of uncontrolled mining.
Dangerous and abandoned pits have been linked to deaths, while mining activities have contributed to the destruction of farmlands, forests and water sources in several communities.
Vanguard also reported that 156 deaths have been reported in mining-related incidents, while illegal mining has increasingly become associated with concerns over child labour, environmental degradation and insecurity.
The investigation further found that the illegal mining economy extends beyond miners, involving labourers, mineral buyers, middlemen, financiers, processors and, in some cases, foreign nationals.
The Federal Government has therefore intensified enforcement through the Mining Marshals, while authorities continue to push for the formalisation of artisanal mining and greater regulation of the sector.
Source: Vanguard News — September 27, 2026