Illegal mining is obstructing Nigeria’s efforts to drive out armed fighters, known locally as bandits. They've seized areas in the north and central regions believed to be rich in gold, lithium and other rare earth minerals. The profits have become vital to financing the bandits' operations.
Thursday, December 18, 2025
Video - Gold and lithium illegal mining fuels Nigeria’s bandit crisis
Illegal mining is obstructing Nigeria’s efforts to drive out armed fighters, known locally as bandits. They've seized areas in the north and central regions believed to be rich in gold, lithium and other rare earth minerals. The profits have become vital to financing the bandits' operations.
Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa retires, ending 15-year international career
The former Leicester City forward made the announcement on his social media.
"After a lot of thought, I have decided to retire from international football, bringing to an end almost 15 years with the Super Eagles." Musa wrote.
Musa, 33, was first called up for Nigeria in April 2010 by Lars Lagerback ahead of Nigeria's FIFA World Cup preparations and made his debut five months later in September at the age of 17 years old.
"I remember being invited at the same time to the U-20, U-23 and the Super Eagles. I was young, still learning and always travelling, but I never complained. Whenever Nigeria called, I showed up. It was never something I had to think twice about," Musa said.
Musa accumulated 111 international appearances, making him only the third Nigerian player -- along with Joseph Yobo (100) and Vincent Enyeama (101) -- to cross the 100-cap threshold.
"Playing 111 matches for my country is something I hold with deep respect," he said.
"To become the most capped played in the history of Nigerian football is a great honour. Every time I wore the jersey, I understood the responsibility that came with it. I did my best to give everything I had, whether things were going well or not, because playing for Nigeria was always bigger than me."
Musa helped Nigeria win the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2013. He also appeared at two FIFA World Cups, in 2014 and 2018, scoring four goals to become Nigeria's highest ever World Cup goalscorer, and the first to score multiple goals at one tournament.
"Winning the 2013 AFCON will always stand out. That team showed what it meant to play for Nigeria," he said.
"Scoring at the World Cup, against Argentina and Iceland, are memories I will always carry with me. To score four goals at the World Cup and be Nigeria's highest goalscorer at that stage is something I am truly grateful for."
Musa's last appearance for Nigeria was at Unity Cup in London earlier this year, when the Super Eagles beat West African rivals Ghana in the semifinals.
"As I step away from international football, I do so with peace and gratitude," Musa said.
"I know I gave my best. I know the Super Eagles will continue to move forward. And I know that this bond will never be broken."
Musa is now expected to focus on his role as general manager of Kano Pillars, one of the clubs where he began his career, and where he returned to play after his European adventure in a unique combination of player and administrator. He was appointed to the position in July 2025.
His official retirement announcement comes less than two weeks after his deputy, William Troost-Ekong, announced his own retirement, and provides clarity to what was a knotty leadership situation in the team.
Initially named captain by Sunday Oliseh after the departure of Vincent Enyeama in 2015, Musa surrendered the position to John Mikel Obi, assuming the position of deputy until the midfielder himself retired in 2019, with Troost-Ekong being his deputy.
Although he took leadership responsibility for the team in Musa's extended absence, including leading the Super Eagles in every game of the 2023 AFON as Musa remained an unused substitute, Troost-Ekong was never formally named captain.
Troost-Ekong's retirement in early December left the team in limbo. Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, as deputy captain and one of the more senior members of the team, has taken over the role. He has not been officially named captain either.
Without Musa's retirement, the team was unable to appoint an official captain. This announcement now clears the path for a new captain to be named for the Super Eagles heading into the AFCON.
Nigeria bans mineral processing plants in residential areas, mandates plastic producers to clean up
Nigeria has ordered mineral processing companies to cease operations within residential and restricted areas. The government also mandated plastic manufacturers and bottling companies to take responsibility for the plastic waste generated from their products nationwide.
The directives form part of resolutions adopted at the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment (NCE), Nigeria’s highest advisory body on environmental matters, which was held in Katsina State from 15 to 17 December.
The council, chaired by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, approved the measures after reviewing environmental risks associated with mining activities, plastic pollution and public health hazards across the country.
By Ogalah Dunamis, Premium Times
The directives form part of resolutions adopted at the 18th meeting of the National Council on Environment (NCE), Nigeria’s highest advisory body on environmental matters, which was held in Katsina State from 15 to 17 December.
The council, chaired by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, approved the measures after reviewing environmental risks associated with mining activities, plastic pollution and public health hazards across the country.
Mining, pollution and public safety
According to the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the council approved that legal and regulatory bodies should restrict the establishment of mineral processing companies within residential and restricted areas in all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The council also mandated that plastic manufacturers and plastic bottling companies adopt the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, requiring them to take responsibility for the collection and management of plastic waste arising from their products.
Environmental experts at the meeting warned that unregulated mineral processing and plastic waste pollution continue to pose serious threats to human health, ecosystems and urban safety, particularly in densely populated communities.
According to the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the council approved that legal and regulatory bodies should restrict the establishment of mineral processing companies within residential and restricted areas in all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The council also mandated that plastic manufacturers and plastic bottling companies adopt the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, requiring them to take responsibility for the collection and management of plastic waste arising from their products.
Environmental experts at the meeting warned that unregulated mineral processing and plastic waste pollution continue to pose serious threats to human health, ecosystems and urban safety, particularly in densely populated communities.
Strengthening environmental regulation
The council further ordered that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) structures be established in all state ministries of environment. It, however, stated that the federal government would retain the authority to issue EIA certificates.
States were directed to nominate EIA focal officers and formally communicate their nominations to the Federal Ministry of Environment to strengthen coordination and compliance.
In response to environmental and health concerns in extractive communities, the council noted the need to introduce public health screening protocols in mining communities and to require livelihood restoration plans as part of mine closure processes.
The council further ordered that Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) structures be established in all state ministries of environment. It, however, stated that the federal government would retain the authority to issue EIA certificates.
States were directed to nominate EIA focal officers and formally communicate their nominations to the Federal Ministry of Environment to strengthen coordination and compliance.
In response to environmental and health concerns in extractive communities, the council noted the need to introduce public health screening protocols in mining communities and to require livelihood restoration plans as part of mine closure processes.
Sanitation, air quality and toxic substances
As part of efforts to improve sanitation and environmental health, the council approved that all state governments establish faecal sludge management plants, aimed at accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
It also approved increased collaboration between state governments and the Federal Ministry of Environment on the National Clean Air Programme. It endorsed the deployment of robust air and water quality monitoring systems in industrial zones.
As part of broader efforts to curb toxic pollution, the council also approved the substitution of mercury, cyanide and other poisonous chemicals used in gold extraction, citing their harmful effects on humans, animals and the natural environment.
As part of efforts to improve sanitation and environmental health, the council approved that all state governments establish faecal sludge management plants, aimed at accelerating progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation.
It also approved increased collaboration between state governments and the Federal Ministry of Environment on the National Clean Air Programme. It endorsed the deployment of robust air and water quality monitoring systems in industrial zones.
As part of broader efforts to curb toxic pollution, the council also approved the substitution of mercury, cyanide and other poisonous chemicals used in gold extraction, citing their harmful effects on humans, animals and the natural environment.
Climate action and waste management
The council ordered the integration of climate change assessments into the Environmental Impact Assessment process, with particular emphasis on the Niger Delta region.
It also approved the development of a National Framework for the Environmentally Sound Management of Used Tyres in Nigeria, alongside the establishment of a certification scheme for refrigeration and air-conditioning practitioners.
To support Nigeria’s climate commitments, the council approved measures to provide technical and regulatory support to states to maximise economic benefits from carbon credit opportunities.
The council ordered the integration of climate change assessments into the Environmental Impact Assessment process, with particular emphasis on the Niger Delta region.
It also approved the development of a National Framework for the Environmentally Sound Management of Used Tyres in Nigeria, alongside the establishment of a certification scheme for refrigeration and air-conditioning practitioners.
To support Nigeria’s climate commitments, the council approved measures to provide technical and regulatory support to states to maximise economic benefits from carbon credit opportunities.
Katsina meeting
The 18th NCE meeting, themed “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” attracted 312 participants, including commissioners responsible for the environment from the 36 states, permanent secretaries, heads of environment-related agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, academics and journalists.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda was represented by the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal, who served as the chief host of the meeting.
The communiqué was unanimously adopted at the close of proceedings on Wednesday.
The 18th NCE meeting, themed “Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis of Climate Change, Biodiversity Loss, and Pollution for Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” attracted 312 participants, including commissioners responsible for the environment from the 36 states, permanent secretaries, heads of environment-related agencies, development partners, civil society organisations, academics and journalists.
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda was represented by the Deputy Governor, Faruk Lawal, who served as the chief host of the meeting.
The communiqué was unanimously adopted at the close of proceedings on Wednesday.
Burkina Faso releases 11 Air Force personnel after high-level Nigerian delegation visit
The release came shortly after a Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, concluded engagements in Ouagadougou, including talks with Burkina Faso’s military leader, President Ibrahim Traoré.
The delegation included senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and NAF Headquarters, and was mandated to pursue a peaceful resolution through dialogue.
According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, who cited a senior official familiar with the mission, the talks focused on de-escalation, confidence-building and securing the release of the detained personnel, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to international aviation rules, military protocols and regional cooperation.
The official said the visit showed Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly engagement, describing it as a deliberate effort to strengthen trust and reaffirm shared responsibilities in addressing the Sahel’s complex security challenges.
Sahel insecurity raises diplomatic stakes
The incident unfolded against a fragile regional backdrop marked by rising insecurity and political instability across the Sahel.
Military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have withdrawn from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), straining relations with countries like Nigeria that remain committed to the regional bloc.
Burkina Faso initially detained eleven military personnel who were all aboard the Nigerian Air Force C‑130 aircraft after it made an emergency landing in Bobo‑Dioulasso without prior airspace clearance, a move that Burkinabè authorities described as a violation of sovereignty.
The Nigerian Air Force said the landing was a precautionary emergency stop due to a technical issue and was conducted in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.
Tensions have been compounded by recent security scares, including a reported botched coup attempt in Benin, reflecting the volatiliy of the region.
Against this backdrop, the detention of Nigerian military personnel risked escalating into a diplomatic standoff, particularly given lingering frictions following the AES states’ exit from ECOWAS.
Speaking after the meeting, Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar said Nigeria and Burkina Faso shared longstanding ties and common security concerns, noting that the engagement was aimed at reinforcing mutual understanding and neighbourly relations.
“We exchanged views on cooperation in several sectors. We also discussed the Nigerian aircraft that made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso,” Tuggar said.
He acknowledged procedural irregularities in the authorisation process for the aircraft’s entry into Burkinabè airspace, expressing Nigeria’s regret over the incident while emphasising Abuja’s respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and international aviation protocols.
The minister also distanced the Federal Government from remarks by a Nigerian political party official alleging maltreatment of Nigerian military personnel in Burkina Faso.
“We clearly dissociate ourselves from those comments and express our sincere regrets to the government of Burkina Faso,” Tuggar said.
Analysts say the swift diplomatic engagement helped defuse tensions and prevented the episode from becoming a flashpoint in Nigeria–Burkina Faso relations, noting the two countries’ history of cooperation on security and counterterrorism.
The incident unfolded against a fragile regional backdrop marked by rising insecurity and political instability across the Sahel.
Military juntas in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have withdrawn from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), straining relations with countries like Nigeria that remain committed to the regional bloc.
Burkina Faso initially detained eleven military personnel who were all aboard the Nigerian Air Force C‑130 aircraft after it made an emergency landing in Bobo‑Dioulasso without prior airspace clearance, a move that Burkinabè authorities described as a violation of sovereignty.
The Nigerian Air Force said the landing was a precautionary emergency stop due to a technical issue and was conducted in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols.
Tensions have been compounded by recent security scares, including a reported botched coup attempt in Benin, reflecting the volatiliy of the region.
Against this backdrop, the detention of Nigerian military personnel risked escalating into a diplomatic standoff, particularly given lingering frictions following the AES states’ exit from ECOWAS.
Speaking after the meeting, Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar said Nigeria and Burkina Faso shared longstanding ties and common security concerns, noting that the engagement was aimed at reinforcing mutual understanding and neighbourly relations.
“We exchanged views on cooperation in several sectors. We also discussed the Nigerian aircraft that made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso,” Tuggar said.
He acknowledged procedural irregularities in the authorisation process for the aircraft’s entry into Burkinabè airspace, expressing Nigeria’s regret over the incident while emphasising Abuja’s respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and international aviation protocols.
The minister also distanced the Federal Government from remarks by a Nigerian political party official alleging maltreatment of Nigerian military personnel in Burkina Faso.
“We clearly dissociate ourselves from those comments and express our sincere regrets to the government of Burkina Faso,” Tuggar said.
Analysts say the swift diplomatic engagement helped defuse tensions and prevented the episode from becoming a flashpoint in Nigeria–Burkina Faso relations, noting the two countries’ history of cooperation on security and counterterrorism.
By Solomon Ekanem, Business Insider Africa
President Tinubu nominates new oil regulators after chiefs resign amid Dangote dispute
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has asked the Senate to confirm two new heads for Nigeria's oil and gas regulators after their predecessors abruptly quit, amid a high stakes clash between one agency and Africa's richest man, Aliko Dangote.
Tinubu's nominations follow the exit of Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and Farouk Ahmed, head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Dangote has accused Ahmed of allowing the entry of cut-price fuel imports that threaten local refineries, including his 650,000-barrel-per-day Lagos plant, Africa's largest.
Dangote on Wednesday submitted a petition against Ahmed with one of Nigeria's antigraft agencies - the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Komolafe, who recently launched an oil block auction, has clashed with Dangote over failure to enforce a law requiring producers to prioritize local refineries.
The shake-up comes at a critical moment for Africa's top oil producer, where regulatory uncertainty and supply fears have dominated headlines since Dangote lodged a formal petition against Ahmed, citing governance concerns and claims of personal spending beyond declared income.
Analysts say the resignations are unlikely to have a major impact on the sector. Komolafe’s proposed successor, Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan, a former NNPC executive, spent more than three decades at the state oil company, including heading one of its subsidiaries.
Farouk’s replacement, Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, was named today as an independent non-executive director at Seplat Energy. With over 37 years of experience, he previously led an NNPC division and helped draft Nigeria’s Gas Master Plan.
"I don't think in either case, these resignations would adversely affect investor confidence," said Ayodele Oni, an energy lawyer and partner at Lagos-based Bloomfield law firm.
By Camillus Eboh, Tife Owolabi and Isaac Anyaogu, Reuters
Tinubu's nominations follow the exit of Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and Farouk Ahmed, head of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Dangote has accused Ahmed of allowing the entry of cut-price fuel imports that threaten local refineries, including his 650,000-barrel-per-day Lagos plant, Africa's largest.
Dangote on Wednesday submitted a petition against Ahmed with one of Nigeria's antigraft agencies - the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Komolafe, who recently launched an oil block auction, has clashed with Dangote over failure to enforce a law requiring producers to prioritize local refineries.
The shake-up comes at a critical moment for Africa's top oil producer, where regulatory uncertainty and supply fears have dominated headlines since Dangote lodged a formal petition against Ahmed, citing governance concerns and claims of personal spending beyond declared income.
Analysts say the resignations are unlikely to have a major impact on the sector. Komolafe’s proposed successor, Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan, a former NNPC executive, spent more than three decades at the state oil company, including heading one of its subsidiaries.
Farouk’s replacement, Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, was named today as an independent non-executive director at Seplat Energy. With over 37 years of experience, he previously led an NNPC division and helped draft Nigeria’s Gas Master Plan.
"I don't think in either case, these resignations would adversely affect investor confidence," said Ayodele Oni, an energy lawyer and partner at Lagos-based Bloomfield law firm.
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