Adams Oshiomole, former governor of Edo State and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, has made a strong accusation against some unnamed retired military generals. He claims that these retired generals are complicit in illegal mining activities across Nigeria.
Oshiomole raised these concerns during a session with the Senate Committee on Appropriation, where Sampson Ekong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, presented his report. According to Oshiomole, the government’s efforts to diversify the economy will fail unless the issue of illegal mining is thoroughly addressed.
Oshiomole’s Concerns on Illegal Mining and Economic Diversification
Oshiomole emphasized that no amount of funding directed toward the solid minerals sector would yield meaningful results unless illegal mining activities are curbed. He argued that retired military officers are involved in these illegal mining operations. “The ongoing illegal mining across the country is being carried out by retired generals, and we know them. Yes, we know them. No one in Africa is unaware of them,” he stated.
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He further mentioned that he had written a letter to former President Muhammadu Buhari, warning him about the negative impact of illegal mining. The letter was sent after a report from a team he had deployed to conduct primary elections in Zamfara, which highlighted the challenges posed by illegal miners in the region. “The team told me that those illegal miners procure arms the same way the military does in South Sudan,” Oshiomole added.
Discrepancy in Government Approach to Illegal Activities
Oshiomole expressed frustration over what he perceives as the government’s inconsistency in handling illegal activities. While the government is stern in tackling illegal oil bunkering, Oshiomole argued that a different standard is applied when it comes to illegal mining. He called for the same military intervention used to combat oil bunkering to be deployed against illegal mining. “We should deploy the same force, even to kill anyone involved in illegal mining,” he insisted.
He continued, “These individuals behind illegal mining are well-equipped. They use helicopters to transport gold out of the country, making billions of dollars in the process.” Oshiomole believes that this issue has been largely ignored by the government, despite his previous efforts to bring it to their attention.
The Role of Retired Generals in Illegal Mining
Oshiomole further pointed out that the individuals enabling illegal mining have deep connections, including retired military officers. “These individuals are weaponized by powerful figures who use their resources to protect foreign interests, like the Chinese involved in mining,” he claimed.
He stressed that the government should not simply lament but should take decisive action. “We must deploy the same force used against illegal oil bunkering in the Niger Delta to address illegal mining,” he added. Oshiomole stressed that those involved in illegal mining should face the same consequences, regardless of their status—whether they are retired generals, permanent secretaries, trade unionists, or labor leaders.
Security Agencies Urged to Act
The Senate Committee on Appropriation agreed with Oshiomole’s assessment, urging the relevant security agencies to take immediate action to control the situation. However, Oshiomole’s remarks were met with strong opposition from some retired generals.
Retired Generals Respond to Oshiomole’s Allegations
Brig. Gen. John Sura (retd.), a former Commander of the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, vehemently rejected Oshiomole’s allegations, calling them “the highest level of falsehood.” He emphasized that no retired general would ever engage in activities that undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, as their priority is national unity and development.
Sura further explained that retired generals, aside from those active in politics, typically lead quiet lives, relying on pensions and focusing on their families. He condemned the allegations as disrespectful to the esteemed nature of generals, asserting that both serving and retired military officers are trained to prioritize the country’s stability over personal gain.
Similarly, Gen. Bashir Adewinbi (retd.) dismissed Oshiomole’s claim, stating that he was unaware of any retired general involved in illegal mining.
“As far as I am concerned, I am not aware of any retired general behind illegal mining in Nigeria. That is misinformation,” he said.
Conclusion: Oshiomole’s Call for Action
Despite the backlash, Oshiomole’s remarks highlight a growing concern about the pervasive issue of illegal mining in Nigeria. His call for decisive action, including military intervention, underscores the need for the government to address this problem if it hopes to achieve its economic diversification goals.
