Alleged illegal lithium mining in Oyo National Park sparks security, economic concerns

Fresh allegations of large-scale illegal lithium mining and smuggling around the Daba axis of the Old Oyo National Park have triggered renewed concerns over the exploitation of Nigeria’s strategic mineral resources, with experts calling for urgent government intervention to dismantle criminal networks allegedly profiting from the illicit trade.

Reports circulating on social media allege that a sophisticated network is engaged in the illegal extraction and transportation of lithium from the protected area to nearby communities, including Kishi and Igbeti in Oyo State.

According to the claims, commercial motorcycle operators are being used to transport bags of the mineral from mining sites to collection points, where they are believed to be moved further along the supply chain.

The reports allege that each motorcycle rider receives about N12,000 per bag transported, while organisers of the operation generate between N20 million and N50 million daily. Individuals working within the network are also reportedly earning as much as N200,000 per day.

Although the allegations have yet to be independently verified, they have reignited concerns about illegal mining activities across mineral-rich parts of the country and the challenges facing security agencies in protecting strategic national assets.

The alleged operation has been described as a coordinated criminal enterprise involving illegal mining, transportation, logistics and possible cross-border smuggling.

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Observers have questioned how such quantities of minerals could allegedly be moved from remote locations through local communities without attracting the attention of relevant authorities.

The claims have also renewed concerns over the possible connection between illegal mining and insecurity, with analysts warning that proceeds from illicit mineral exploitation could strengthen organised criminal groups operating in parts of the country.

As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, security agencies and the management of the Old Oyo National Park had not issued official statements confirming or denying the allegations.

Mining and security analysts say that if the allegations are substantiated, the activities could pose serious economic, environmental and national security threats.

Experts note that lithium has become one of the world’s most sought-after strategic minerals because of its extensive use in the production of rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, mobile phones and other electronic devices.

According to industry experts, the rapid increase in global demand has significantly raised the value of lithium deposits in Africa, making illegal mining operations increasingly attractive to organised criminal syndicates.

Security analysts argue that illegal mining has become more than an economic crime, warning that proceeds from illicit mineral extraction can finance armed groups, facilitate weapons procurement and undermine state authority in affected communities.

Environmental experts also caution that unregulated mining inside protected areas such as national parks can lead to severe ecological damage, including deforestation, destruction of wildlife habitats, soil erosion and pollution of water sources.

They further warn that the absence of proper environmental safeguards could have long-term consequences for biodiversity conservation and the livelihoods of surrounding communities.

Stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to intensify surveillance around mining communities and protected forests through collaboration between the military, police, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the National Park Service.

They also advocate stricter monitoring of mineral transportation routes, improved licensing enforcement, deployment of modern surveillance technology and stronger border controls to curb illgal exports.

Analysts further recommend strengthening community intelligence networks and providing legitimate economic opportunities for residents in mining communities to reduce dependence on illegal mining activities.

They stress that tackling illegal mining requires addressing not only those extracting the minerals but also the financiers, transporters, middlemen and exporters who sustain the illicit supply chain.

For now, however, the allegations surrounding the reported illegal lithium mining operations in the Daba area remain unverified, with many stakeholders urging authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation to establish the facts and bring anyone found culpable to justice.