PHILOSOPHY AND PRAXIS

Nelson Mandela was once reported to have said that, a new society cannot be created by Nreproducing the repugnant past, however refined or enticingly repackaged”.2 This quip agrees with the conclusion of many Nigerians that, something is wrong with Nigeria, and that, something is wrong with anyone who says nothing is wrong with Nigeria. One of the wrongs of the Nigerian state in recent times is the complex issue of insecurity. In Nigeria's Middle Belt region in particular, illicit economies, particularly the exploitation of mineral resources has overshadowed peaceful coexistence with the involvement of armed groups in illegal mining activities, which has exacerbated arms smuggling, increased insecurity, and violent conflict in the region.The exploitation and trade of mineral resources has fueled conflicts, financed terrorism, and exacerbated instability in the middle-Belt region that is bedeviled by weak governance and institutional capacity. This nexus highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of conflicts and promotes sustainable development. By critically examining the intersections between security, governance, and mineral resource management, this study provides insights into the challenges and opportunities for mitigating conflicts and promoting stability in the resource-rich Middle-Belt region. The findings underscore the importance of formalizing artisanal mining, strengthening governance and security institutions, and fostering international cooperation to address the transnational nature of resource exploitation and terrorist financing.

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