Adams Oshiomhole, the Senator representing Edo North, has accused retired military generals of being behind illegal mining activities across Nigeria.
Oshiomhole, who serves as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, made the claim on Friday during the presentation of the 2025 budget report by Sampson Ekong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, before the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
Oshiomhole, a former Governor of Edo State and a member of the Appropriations Committee, stated that the retired generals involved in illegal mining are well-known figures, adding that their identities are widely recognized across Africa.
He also referenced a letter he wrote to former President Muhammadu Buhari on the matter when he was in office.
“The ongoing illegal mining is being carried out by retired generals, and we know who they are. Yes, we know them. Everyone in Africa knows them,” Oshiomhole remarked.
He further emphasized that the nation’s efforts to diversify its economy would remain unattainable if the government, under President Bola Tinubu, failed to tackle the issue of illegal mining.
The committee members echoed Oshiomhole’s concerns and called for stronger actions from security agencies. Oshiomhole highlighted the challenges faced in conducting primary elections in Zamfara due to illegal mining activities and stressed the need for a robust response.
“To combat this issue, we may need to deploy the military, even if it means using force against those involved in illegal oil extraction.
We should also consider forming a joint task force involving the Army, Police, and Air Force,” he suggested.