A report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law indicates that over 190,000 Nigerians have been killed and 3.7 million displaced due to banditry, insurgency, and ethnic violence between 2009 and 2026. While common explanations for this instability cite ethnic and religious tensions, there is growing scrutiny regarding the potential link between these conflict zones and regions rich in high-value mineral deposits like gold and lithium. Experts are raising concerns that persistent displacement may facilitate illegal mining operations and the extraction of valuable resources by unaccountable actors. The situation highlights a critical need for rigorous investigation into potential links between Nigeria’s insecurity and the global mineral supply chain, as transparency and governance remain essential to ensure these natural resources benefit the public rather than criminal interests.