Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, has alleged that retired military generals are behind the widespread illegal mining activities across Nigeria.
Oshiomhole made the accusation while participating in a budget report submission by Senator Sampson Ekong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
According to Oshiomhole, the country’s ambition to diversify its economy will remain unachievable unless the government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership, takes decisive action against illegal mining.
He emphasized that the individuals responsible for these illegal activities are well-known, particularly retired generals, stating, “The illegal mining happening across the country is being carried out by retired generals. We know them, and everyone in Africa knows them. I even wrote to former President Muhammadu Buhari about it when he was in office.”
Oshiomhole recalled challenges faced during the primary election process in Zamfara due to illegal miners obstructing operations.
He proposed the deployment of military forces to combat the issue, including the use of the Army and the Joint Task Force (JTF), comprising the Army, Police, and Air Force, to take severe action against perpetrators of illegal mining and oil theft.
The committee members voiced their agreement with Oshiomhole’s stance, emphasizing the importance of tackling the issue and urging security agencies to act swiftly.
The panel also agreed to significantly increase the budget allocation for the Ministry of Solid Minerals to address the issue more effectively.
