Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Adams Oshomole has accused some retired military generals of being involved in illegal mining activities across Nigeria.
Oshiomhole made this claim during the presentation of the 2025 budget report by Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Sampson Ekong to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
While reacting to the proposals made in the submission, Oshiomhole stated that efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy would remain unattainable if the administration of President Bola Tinubu fails to address the issue of illegal mining.
The former Edo State Governor said, “The ongoing illegal mining across the country is being carried out by retired generals, some of whom are well known.”
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Oshiomhole revealed that he had previously written to former President Muhammadu Buhari on the matter.
He recounted how a team he sent to conduct party primaries in Zamfara State reported challenges linked to illegal mining activities in the region.
The Edo North senator suggested deploying the military and other security forces, such as the Joint Task Forces, JTFs, comprising the Army, Police, and Air Force, to tackle both illegal mining and oil theft.
He stressed the need for decisive action, even if it required using force against perpetrators.
The Committee members agreed with Oshiomhole’s observations and called on security agencies to intensify efforts against illegal mining.
Lawmakers also proposed a substantial increase in the budget for the Ministry of Solid Minerals to strengthen its capacity to address the issue effectively.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
