EFCC Vows to Target Illegal Mining Sponsors, Buyers of Stolen Minerals in Nigeria

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has vowed to intensify the agency’s crackdown on illegal mining by targeting sponsors, financiers, buyers of stolen minerals and other individuals facilitating the illicit trade across Nigeria.

Olukoyede made this known on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in Ilorin, Kwara State, while speaking at a conference on illegal mining, corruption and its environmental consequences. The event was organised by the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) in partnership with the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA).

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Speaking on the theme, “Uprooting the Roots of Resource Theft: A Zero-Tolerance Approach to Mining Corruption and Increasing Insecurity in Nigeria,” the EFCC chairman said the country was losing significant revenue from its mineral resources because of corruption, illegal mining and insecurity. He identified gold, lithium, tin, lead and zinc among Nigeria’s valuable mineral resources whose economic benefits were being undermined by criminal activities.

The EFCC boss explained that illegal mining extended beyond individuals operating at mining sites, noting that financiers, mineral buyers, transporters and public officials who provide protection were also part of the criminal network. He stressed that the commission would no longer concentrate solely on arresting miners but would investigate the financial networks behind the activities, trace the proceeds and ensure that those sponsoring the illegal operations face prosecution.

Providing an update on the commission’s efforts, Olukoyede disclosed that the EFCC handled 52 illegal mining cases between October 2023 and July 2026, resulting in investigations, prosecutions and convictions. He added that the commission also secured the forfeiture of 102 tonnes of solid minerals within the period. At the event, MINILS presented him with a Fellowship Award in recognition of his contributions to the fight against corruption and financial crimes in Nigeria.