Adams Oshiomhole, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, has reiterated his claim that some retired military generals are complicit in the illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s solid minerals in collaboration with foreign nationals.
During an appearance on Arise TV’s Prime Time Show on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Oshiomhole clarified his earlier statement, emphasizing that he did not accuse all retired generals of engaging in illegal mining activities, but rather, some individuals within their ranks.
“It’s unreasonable to suggest that all retired generals are involved in illegal mining. That would be an irresponsible, sweeping generalization,” Oshiomhole stated.
“What I said is that some retired generals are involved, and I firmly stand by that. I know this to be true. The issue is that, as a nation, we are not applying the same level of force to protect our solid minerals as we do to safeguard our oil in the Niger Delta.”
Oshiomhole’s accusations are based on a report from a retired general who claimed to have witnessed foreigners collaborating with some retired generals to steal solid minerals in Nigeria.
The senator revealed that he requested the retired officer to write a concise report on the matter, which was then submitted to former President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I don’t have the military or security training to fully grasp this situation, so I asked him to prepare a brief, no more than two or three pages, which I submitted to President Buhari, a former general himself,”
Oshiomhole explained. “I suggested that he include his phone number so the president could contact him directly for more detailed information if necessary.”
Oshiomhole noted that the retired officer warned that if this illicit activity is not addressed, the consequences could be even more severe than the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s Northeast.
The senator highlighted that such widespread illegal activity could not be happening without the knowledge of powerful figures in the country.
“It is inconceivable that foreigners, especially those from outside Africa, could come to Nigeria, identify specific sites with valuable minerals, and begin mining them without someone in a position of power knowing about it,” Oshiomhole stressed.
However, the former Edo State governor acknowledged the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to tackle this issue, pointing to the recent creation of marshals to oversee Nigeria’s mining sites and curb illegal activities.
