The Nigerian government has recorded a significant breakthrough in the war against illegal mining and terrorism financing with the conviction of Mahmud Usman, a commander of the notorious Ansaru terrorist group.
Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, was sentenced to 15 years in prison by the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 11. His conviction came after he pleaded guilty to charges linked to illegal mining operations used to fund terrorism.
Justice Emeka Nwite, who presided over the case, emphasized the severity of the offense. Usman’s deputy, Abubakar Abba (alias Isah Adam/Mahmud Al-Nigeri), was also implicated in the case. According to court documents, the duo illegally mined precious stones such as thunder stones and California stones between 2015 and 2025, without lawful authority.
Minister Reacts: A Step Forward in Nigeria’s Anti-Mining War
Reacting to the judgment, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, described the ruling as a “major victory” in Nigeria’s fight against illegal mining. He stressed that the verdict confirms what the government has long suspected: bandit groups rely on illegal mining to finance their violent operations.
“It is gratifying that the judiciary is aligned with the ministry’s objective of zero tolerance for illegal mining,” Alake stated, adding that the government will soon roll out tougher measures to dismantle such networks.
The minister also revealed that his ministry is closely monitoring 31 ongoing terrorism cases involving Ansaru commanders to strengthen future actions against mining-related crimes.
Security Agencies Applauded
Dr. Alake commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for its role in uncovering and arresting the culprits. He also pledged increased inter-agency collaboration to expand surveillance and protect mining communities from criminal exploitation.
The minister recalled that, together with Senator Adams Oshiomhole, he had earlier raised concerns about powerful illegal miners sponsoring banditry. To counter this, Alake in 2024 established the Mining Marshals—a special unit under the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)—tasked with securing mining sites across the country.
The Bigger Picture
Nigeria’s illegal mining crisis not only robs the nation of vital revenue but also fuels insecurity across several regions. The conviction of Usman sends a strong message: illegal mining and terrorism are inseparably linked, and the government is determined to break that chain.
As Dr. Alake assured, Nigerians can expect stricter enforcement, stronger surveillance, and tougher crackdowns on those who profit from the country’s mineral wealth through criminal activities.
Jamflash Insight: This ruling is more than just a courtroom victory; it is a turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to secure its mineral resources and cut off financial pipelines sustaining terrorism.
