Alleged Illegal Lithium Mining Thrives Inside Old Oyo National Park, Raising Security and Environmental Concerns.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu
Democracy Newsline, Northern Bureau Chief
July 18, 2026.
Illegal lithium mining is allegedly taking place on a daily basis inside the protected area of Old Oyo National Park in Daba, Oyo State, with an organized network of motorcycle riders reportedly transporting the mineral to Kishi and Igbeti for onward distribution, according to sources familiar with the activities.
The development has sparked growing concerns over environmental destruction, illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s strategic mineral resources, and the possible connection between illicit mining and organized crime.
Sources alleged that the mining operation functions like a well-coordinated syndicate, with clearly defined roles for miners, transporters, middlemen, financiers, and buyers.
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Motorcycle (Okada) riders are reportedly paid about ₦12,000 per bag to move lithium from the mining sites inside the national park to designated collection points in Kishi and Igbeti.
Eyewitnesses in the area claimed that the alleged ringleaders generate between ₦20 million and ₦50 million from the operation, while some workers reportedly earn up to ₦200,000 daily. These claims have not been independently verified.
Environmental experts warn that illegal mining inside a national park threatens wildlife habitats, destroys vegetation, contaminates water sources, and undermines conservation efforts within one of Nigeria’s protected ecosystems. If left unchecked, the activities could cause irreversible ecological damage.
Residents have also expressed fears that proceeds from illegal mining could be financing criminal activities. A warning reportedly circulating within affected communities states: “Carry lithium by day, carry terrorist AK-47 by nightfall.” While there is no publicly available evidence directly linking this alleged operation to armed groups, the slogan reflects growing public anxiety over the potential security implications of illegal mining.
The alleged operation has also raised critical questions about the destination of the extracted lithium. Observers are asking who the buyers are, how the mineral is being transported, and whether it is leaving the country through illegal supply chains without regulatory oversight.
Lithium has become one of the world’s most sought-after strategic minerals due to its essential role in the production of rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, electric vehicles, renewable energy storage systems, and other advanced technologies. The increasing global demand has made lithium-rich areas attractive targets for illegal mining syndicates.
Stakeholders are urging the Federal Government, the Oyo State Government, security agencies, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the National Park Service, and relevant regulatory authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the allegations. They are also calling for stronger surveillance of protected areas, the dismantling of any illegal mining networks found to exist, and the prosecution of anyone involved in unlawful exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources.
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Residents warn that unless decisive action is taken, Oyo State could face the environmental degradation and security challenges that have affected other mineral-rich parts of the country where illegal mining has flourished. Authorities have not publicly responded to these specific allegations as of the time of filing this report.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JULY 18TH 2026)
