In a heated development, former Edo State governor and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Adams Oshiomhole, has accused unnamed retired military generals of facilitating illegal mining activities across Nigeria. His remarks have sparked a strong rebuttal from some retired generals who describe the allegations as baseless and damaging to their reputations.
Oshiomhole’s Allegations
Oshiomhole, speaking on Friday during the submission of a report by the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development to the Appropriation Committee, highlighted the pervasive impact of illegal mining on Nigeria’s economy. He warned that the efforts of the Bola Tinubu-led administration to diversify the economy would yield little success unless the menace was tackled decisively.
According to Oshiomhole, illegal mining activities are being organized and supported by influential individuals, including retired military officers. “The ongoing illegal mining across the country is being carried out by retired generals, and we know them,” he alleged.
He recounted his earlier efforts to draw attention to the issue, stating that he had written to former President Muhammadu Buhari during his tenure, highlighting the involvement of powerful figures in the illicit operations.
The Devastating Effects of Illegal Mining
Oshiomhole expressed frustration over the double standards in addressing illegal activities in Nigeria. He compared the government’s aggressive actions against oil bunkering in the Niger Delta to its comparatively lenient approach toward illegal mining.
“If we are ruthless with people involved in illegal oil bunkering, we must apply the same force against illegal miners. The government must deploy Joint Task Forces (JTFs) comprising the Army, Police, and Air Force to tackle these criminals,” Oshiomhole said.
He further claimed that illegal miners are heavily armed and operate with the backing of well-funded sponsors. “These criminals procure weapons to secure territories, protect foreign operatives like the Chinese, and extract precious minerals. They cart away gold in choppers, smuggling it out of the country for billions of dollars,” he said.
Oshiomhole called on the government to adopt a no-nonsense approach and tackle the issue with the same vigor applied to curbing oil-related crimes.
Panel Recommendations
The Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development aligned with Oshiomhole’s concerns and urged security agencies to address the situation urgently. The panel emphasized the need for a unified and aggressive strategy to eliminate illegal mining, regardless of the perpetrators’ status or influence.
Retired Generals Respond
The accusations, however, have not gone unchallenged. Several retired military generals have expressed outrage, dismissing Oshiomhole’s claims as unfounded and an attempt to tarnish their image.
Brigadier General John Sura (retd.), a former Commander of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, called the allegations “the highest level of falsehood.” He maintained that no retired general would engage in activities that undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“As retired generals, our priority is Nigeria’s unity and development. Mining is not for ordinary individuals without resources or licenses, and these allegations are nothing but baseless accusations to mislead the public,” Sura said.
He described most retired generals as living quietly, relying on their pensions, and prioritizing their families over personal gain.
General Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) also rejected Oshiomhole’s assertions, stating that he was unaware of any retired military officer involved in illegal mining. “This claim is a gross misinformation and a disservice to the dignity of retired officers,” he stated.
A Call for Evidence
The retired generals emphasized the need for evidence to substantiate such claims. They urged Oshiomhole and others making similar allegations to present verifiable facts to avoid undermining the integrity of retired officers and the armed forces.
As this controversy unfolds, it underscores the broader issue of illegal mining in Nigeria and the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the economic and security challenges it poses.
