A Nigerian security analyst, Salihu Dantata, has made controversial claims suggesting that some Western countries may be indirectly supporting armed groups in Nigeria to gain access to illegal mining activities.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Dantata alleged that foreign interests are fueling insecurity in parts of the country, particularly in regions rich in natural resources such as gold.
Dantata questioned how insurgent groups like Islamic State West Africa Province and Boko Haram have gained access to and mastery of advanced weaponry. He pointed to the use of sophisticated rifles, which he claimed are similar to those associated with elite Israeli military units, as a possible indication of external support.
According to him, the speed at which some fighters acquire combat skills raises concerns about hidden networks supplying both training and equipment.
The security expert further alleged that there have been repeated sightings of helicopters in Zamfara State, reportedly delivering weapons to bandits and departing with gold extracted from illegal mining sites.
He argued that such operations, if verified, suggest a coordinated effort by foreign actors to exploit Nigeria’s mineral resources through local armed groups.
“We can no longer hide the fact that some unscrupulous Western nations are involved in illegal gold mining and resource exploitation in Nigeria,” he stated during the interview.
Withdrawal From Bloc
Dantata maintained that these alleged activities could be contributing to the persistence of insecurity in parts of northern Nigeria, where banditry and insurgency have disrupted communities and economic activities.
He also referenced past predictions by foreign observers about Nigeria’s possible breakup, suggesting that such narratives may be linked to broader geopolitical interests, although he noted that such forecasts have not materialized.
While his claims have generated attention, they remain allegations and have not been independently verified by authorities. Nonetheless, they have added to ongoing discussions about the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria, including illegal mining, arms proliferation, and the role of both local and international actors.
Security experts continue to call for stronger surveillance, better regulation of mining activities, and enhanced intelligence operations to address the complex challenges facing the country.
