Femi Babajide, a peace and conflict expert has made a compelling case for addressing illegal mining as an emerging source of terrorism financing and a significant driver of insecurity in Northern Nigeria. He presented the argument in a co-authored research paper titled “The Dilemma of Insecurity: The Nexus of Illegal Mining and Terrorism Financing in Northern Nigeria” at the International Conference on Peace and Sustainable Development, organised by the Centre for Peace and Strategic Studies in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ilorin, Nigeria.
The conference, held on November 10, 2026, at the Main Auditorium of the University of Ilorin, was themed “Enhancing Local Agency for Human Security and Sustainable Development in Fragile Contexts.” The paper featured under Plenary Session 2, titled “Insurgency, Intelligence and Digital Security,” with Paper ID ICPSD/42A. Babajide’s co-authors include Michael Sunkanmi Olaogun, Oyindamola Lasisi, Martina Kwatri Yusuf, Hassan Abdu, and Hamidu Hamidu Jantabo.
Drawing on secondary data and the political economy of conflict framework, the paper examines how illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources has become an alternative revenue stream for terrorist networks and other armed groups. It argues that beyond conventional sources of funding, including cattle rustling, extortion, kidnapping for ransom, and forced labour, illegal mining provides additional economic opportunities that enable violent groups to sustain their operations, expand their influence, and perpetuate insecurity across the region.
The researchers further emphasise that the relationship between illegal mining and terrorism extends beyond its implications for national security. It has far-reaching socio-economic and environmental consequences, including the weakening of community livelihoods, the depletion of natural resources, environmental degradation, and the erosion of state authority in affected communities. The paper therefore calls for a broader understanding of insecurity in Northern Nigeria, one that recognises the economic and resource-governance dimensions of violent conflict rather than focusing exclusively on military responses.
To address these challenges, the paper proposes a comprehensive policy approach centred on strengthening Nigeria’s natural resource governance architecture, expanding security presence in vulnerable mining communities, and formalising the artisanal and small-scale mining sector. It also advocates the deployment of technological solutions to monitor mining activities, improved intelligence gathering, and stronger collaboration among local communities, government institutions, regional actors, and international partners to disrupt illicit financial networks.
The presentation formed part of discussions at the conference, which brought together researchers, policymakers, security practitioners, and other stakeholders to examine practical approaches to peacebuilding, human security, and sustainable development in fragile contexts. The plenary session was chaired by Commodore A.B. Lawa.
The research reinforces the importance of connecting security interventions with accountable resource governance, community participation, and evidence-informed policymaking. It underscores the need for Nigeria to treat illegal mining not merely as an economic or environmental crime but also as a potential enabler of terrorism and organised violence. Ultimately, the researchers argue that sustainable peace in Northern Nigeria will require confronting the financial and economic structures that sustain insecurity, alongside conventional counter-insurgency measures.