Adams Oshiomhole, the Senate Committee on Interior chairman, claims that retired military generals are behind illegal mining in Nigeria. These operations exploit the country’s resources using helicopters, making billions. He urges the government to act decisively, proposing joint task forces to tackle this growing crisis.
Adams Oshiomhole, a former Edo State governor and chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, has accused retired military generals of orchestrating widespread illegal mining operations in Nigeria. Speaking at a Senate budget presentation by Sampson Ekong, chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, Oshiomhole alleged that these individuals use helicopters to transport gold, raking in billions of dollars while the nation bears the economic burden.
Oshiomhole emphasized that the issue has persisted unchecked for too long, despite data and surveys highlighting areas affected by illegal mining. He called for urgent government intervention, proposing the deployment of joint task forces, similar to those addressing oil theft in the Niger Delta.
Highlighting the severity of the situation, Oshiomhole revealed that he had previously written to former President Muhammadu Buhari, detailing how illegal miners exploit resources with advanced equipment and arm local groups to secure their operations. He urged the federal government to implement robust measures to combat this crisis.
The senator’s remarks come as Nigeria continues to battle illegal mining activities that undermine its economy.
