“Oshiomhole Calls for Military Action Against Illegal Miners, Blasts Retired Generals Involved”
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former Governor of Edo State and current Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, has called for the implementation of strict measures against illegal mining, likening the illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s solid minerals to the theft of oil. Oshiomhole’s comments come amid rising concerns about the scale of illegal mining activities across the country, which he claims involve both Nigerians and foreigners profiting from resources like gold.
In a recent interview, Oshiomhole alleged that some retired military generals are complicit in illegal mining operations, revealing that he had previously informed former President Muhammadu Buhari about the involvement of powerful individuals in the illicit trade. The senator claimed these individuals, using helicopters, transport stolen resources and drop weapons for armed civilians, who are then tasked with protecting these illegal sites.
“I stand by my statement that some retired generals are involved in illegal mining,” Oshiomhole said. “This is a serious economic crime that must be treated with the same level of urgency as oil theft in the Niger Delta.”
Oshiomhole recounted a conversation with a retired general who described the deep connections between illegal mining, banditry, and kidnapping. According to Oshiomhole, the general warned that weapons supplied to civilians for defending illegal mining sites are sometimes used to terrorize local communities.
He urged the federal government to take a similar approach to illegal mining as it has to oil theft in the Niger Delta, calling for military intervention to end the practice. The senator acknowledged the efforts of the current Minister of Solid Minerals in tackling illegal mining, including the recruitment of marshals to combat the issue, but emphasized that more decisive actions were needed.
“We cannot afford to treat illegal mining with kid gloves,” Oshiomhole stated. “The government must deal with these criminals with the same force used against oil thieves. This is not just about protecting our resources; it’s about safeguarding our national security.”
In addition to his stance on illegal mining, Oshiomhole addressed the ongoing political crisis in Edo State, where local government chairmen and their deputies were recently impeached by councilors. The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of undermining constitutional democracy, but Oshiomhole dismissed the accusations, claiming the impeachment was carried out by PDP councilors against PDP chairmen.
“The impeachment was carried out by PDP councilors against PDP chairmen,” Oshiomhole clarified. “The APC has no hand in it. The governor cannot interfere in the constitutional duties of councilors. This is a case of people deceiving people.”
Asked about the confidence of the APC in the court’s decision regarding Governor Monday Okpebholo’s election, Oshiomhole refrained from commenting on the outcome, emphasizing the importance of respecting the judiciary. He also rejected claims that Nigeria is headed toward a one-party state, asserting that democracy guarantees the freedom of political association.
“The people voted for Monday Okpebholo, and it is up to the PDP to prove otherwise in court,” Oshiomhole concluded. “As for a one-party state, Nigeria remains a democracy where no one is forced to join a political party.”
