By Douglas Maha, Abuja
A former Edo State Governor and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, has fingered retired military generals for the widespread illegal mining operations in Nigeria.
Speaking at a Senate Committee session on Thursday, Oshiomhole warned that Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts could fail unless the government takes stronger action against illegal mining.
During the submission of a report by Senator Sampson Ekong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals, Oshiomhole criticised the federal government for its inconsistent approach to tackling illegal activities.
He pointed out that while military forces are deployed to curb oil bunkering, illegal mining is not being met with the needed level of urgency.
“Illegal mining operations are being fueled by retired military personnel and armed groups. They use helicopters to smuggle gold out of the country, generating billions,” Oshiomhole said, urging the government to take decisive action similar to its response to oil theft.
Oshiomhole emphasized that the government already has detailed data on illegal mining locations and must act swiftly to address the issue.
“The same force used to combat oil bunkering should be deployed to deal with illegal mining,” he stated.
The Senate Committee on Appropriation supported Oshiomhole’s call, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to combat illegal mining.
The committee highlighted that addressing the issue is crucial for advancing Nigeria’s economic diversification, particularly in the solid minerals sector.
