Retired Generals Behind Illegal Mining, Says Oshiomhole

Retired military generals are responsible for illegal mining activities across Nigeria, according to Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior.

Oshiomhole made the claim during a Senate Committee on Appropriations session, where Senator Sampson Ekong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, presented the ministry’s 2025 budget report.

The former Edo State governor warned that Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy would remain ineffective unless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration tackled illegal mining. He alleged that high-ranking retired officers were deeply involved, stating, “The ongoing illegal mining across the country is being carried out by retired generals, and we know them. Nobody in Africa doesn’t know them. I wrote a letter to former President Muhammadu Buhari about this issue when he was in office.”

Oshiomhole recalled an incident where a team he sent to conduct primary elections in Zamfara reported facing difficulties due to illegal mining operations in the area. He emphasized the need for a strong military response, suggesting that the army, police, and Air Force Joint Task Forces (JTFs) should be deployed to combat both illegal mining and oil theft.

The committee members supported Oshiomhole’s concerns and urged security agencies to take decisive action. In response to the issue, the panel unanimously agreed to significantly increase the budget for the Ministry of Solid Minerals to strengthen enforcement measures.