Abuja – Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, has accused retired military generals of being behind the rampant illegal mining activities across the country.
During the submission of the 2025 budget report by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Oshiomhole expressed concern that the government’s efforts to diversify the economy would be futile if the issue of illegal mining is not addressed.
“The ongoing illegal mining is being carried out by retired generals, and we know them. This is an open secret, not just within Nigeria but across Africa,” Oshiomhole stated. He recalled writing to former President Muhammadu Buhari about this issue, highlighting the challenges faced by his team during a primary election in Zamfara due to the activities of illegal miners.
Oshiomhole emphasized the need for a strong crackdown, suggesting the deployment of the Army, even with lethal force, against those involved in illegal oil pumping. He also advocated for the deployment of Joint Task Forces (JTFs) comprising the Army, Police, and Air Force to combat this menace.
The Senate Committee on Appropriations agreed with Oshiomhole’s concerns and urged security agencies to take decisive action. The panel also announced its decision to significantly increase the budget allocation for the Ministry of Solid Minerals.
