National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, has blown the whistle on the illegality in Nigeria mining sector, he noted that this act not only deprives the nation of critical revenue but also undermines efforts to diversify the economy.
According to Oshiomhole, retired generals and their foreign collaborators sponsor illegal mining operations, arming miners and using helicopters to extract and export gold and other valuable minerals.
“This issue goes beyond the surface to the root cause.
Let me explain: those involved in illegal mining are heavily organized. They use choppers, procure arms, and operate sophisticated systems,” he said.
Oshiomhole’s revelations are not isolated, as security expert Dr. Salihu Dantata has also alleged that some retired military generals are involved in illegal gold mining in Zamfara State.
The involvement of high-ranking officials and retired military officers in illegal mining activities has created a culture of impunity, allowing these individuals to operate freely while ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of the consequences.
The senator criticized the Federal Government for applying double standards in addressing illegal mining compared to its crackdown on oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.
“If we can deploy joint military task forces to combat oil bunkering, why are we lenient with illegal miners? It’s time to deploy the same level of force and ruthlessness,” he added.
To address the issue, Oshiomhole emphasized the need for increased funding for the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the deployment of military task forces to mining areas, targeting not just the miners but also their influential sponsors.
The senator’s call for urgent reforms, increased security measures, and adequate funding underscores the critical need to address illegal mining and harness the sector’s full potential for national development.
