Illegal mining in Nigeria has become a hot topic as Senator Adams Oshiomhole accuses retired military generals of involvement in the activity. While he demands stronger action, the generals deny the claims and call for evidence.
Oshiomhole Points Fingers at Retired Generals
During a Senate meeting, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, alleged that some retired generals are aiding illegal miners. According to him, these powerful individuals provide weapons and helicopters to smuggle valuable resources like gold out of Nigeria.
Oshiomhole criticized the government for not treating illegal mining as seriously as illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta. He urged the deployment of military forces to stop the miners and protect the country’s economy.
A Call for Action Against Illegal Mining
The senator argued that illegal mining is draining Nigeria’s wealth and undermining efforts to diversify the economy. “No amount of money allocated to the solid minerals sector will make a difference if illegal miners remain active,” he said.
He claimed that illegal mining operations in areas like Zamfara are as organized as military operations, with arms and funding comparable to what is seen in conflict zones.
Retired Generals Reject the Accusations
Retired generals, however, have strongly denied Oshiomhole’s claims. Brigadier General John Sura (retd.) described the allegations as baseless and damaging to their reputation. He said no retired military officer would undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty or engage in illegal activities like mining.
“Mining requires proper licenses and resources. It is wrong to accuse us without evidence,” Sura said, adding that retired generals prioritize Nigeria’s stability and unity.
General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) also dismissed the claims as untrue. He said he had no knowledge of any retired general involved in illegal mining and labelled the allegations as misleading.
Senate Pushes for Investigation
Despite the retired generals’ denials, Oshiomhole and other senators are pushing for immediate action to address illegal mining. The Senate has urged security agencies to investigate the issue and protect Nigeria’s resources from exploitation.
The clash between Oshiomhole and the retired generals highlights the urgent need to tackle illegal mining while ensuring accountability and transparency in addressing the problem.
