The Nigerian government has secured a significant victory in its crusade against illegal mining, with the conviction of Mahmud Usman, a commander of the Ansaru terrorist group. According to a statement issued by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, through his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, Usman’s conviction is a major blow to illegal mining activities in the country.
On September 11, the Federal High Court in Abuja convicted and sentenced Usman to 15 years’ imprisonment for engaging in illegal mining. Justice Emeka Nwite handed down the sentence after Usman pleaded guilty to count 10 of the 32-count terrorism charge preferred against him. His deputy commander, Abubakar Abba, was also implicated in the suit. The duo was accused of mining precious minerals, including thunder stones and California stones, without lawful authority between 2015 and 2025.
Dr Alake commended the judiciary for its support in combating illegal mining, describing the verdict as evidence that bandits engage in illegal mining to fund their operations. He noted that the ministry would continue to tighten the noose around illegalities in mining, with more drastic measures to be announced soon. The minister also expressed appreciation for the Directorate of State Services’ efforts in monitoring, detecting, and arresting terrorists.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development will closely monitor the 31 pending terrorism cases against Ansaru commanders to draw lessons for strengthening the fight against illegal mining. Dr Alake emphasized the need for inter-agency collaboration to raise the tempo of surveillance and rid communities of illegal mining perpetrated by bandits. This development is consistent with the minister’s earlier statement, along with Senator Adams Oshiomhole, that powerful illegal miners were sponsoring banditry.
In 2024, Dr Alake established the Mining Marshals, a security unit drawn from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, to secure mining sites across the country. The move followed a surge in illegal mining activities. The conviction of Usman and the ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing the issue and ensuring that mineral resources are exploited in a lawful and sustainable manner.