Senate Probe Unmasks ‘Gold-for-Arms’ Trade in Zamfara as Primary Engine of Northern Banditry

Senate Probe Unmasks ‘Gold-for-Arms’ Trade in Zamfara as Primary Engine of Northern Banditry

ABUJA — A definitive Senate investigative report has exposed a sophisticated criminal economy in Nigeria’s North-West, revealing that illegal gold mining in Zamfara , Kaduna, and Katsina states is the primary source of funding for the region’s worsening banditry and mass abductions.  The report, presented on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, details how illicit artisanal mining has […] The post Senate Probe Unmasks ‘Gold-for-Arms’ Trade in Zamfara as…

Senate Confirms Illegal Gold Mining Driving Insecurity - Economi Confidential

Senate Confirms Illegal Gold Mining Driving Insecurity A Senate report has identified illegal artisanal gold mining in Zamfara, Kaduna and Katsina states as a critical factor driving insecurity in the North-West, revealing that proceeds from the illicit activities are being used to procure arms and sustain violent criminal networks. The revelation was made public in […] The post Senate Confirms Illegal Gold Mining Driving Insecurity appeared fir…