In a recent Senate committee meeting, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, voiced serious concerns about the involvement of retired military generals in illegal mining operations across Nigeria. As the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Oshiomhole emphasized that these individuals are well-known figures, suggesting a deep-rooted issue within the nation’s mining sector.
Reflecting on past efforts to address this challenge, Oshiomhole recalled a letter he penned to former President Muhammadu Buhari, highlighting the detrimental impact of illegal mining on the country’s economy and security. He recounted an incident where a team he dispatched faced significant challenges during primary elections in Zamfara State, attributing these difficulties to the pervasive influence of illegal miners in the region.
To combat this menace, Oshiomhole advocated for a robust military response, proposing the deployment of a Joint Task Force comprising the Army, Police, and Air Force to confront and dismantle illegal mining operations. He warned that without decisive action, efforts to diversify Nigeria’s economy would remain unfulfilled, as illegal mining continues to siphon valuable resources and revenue.
The committee members resonated with Oshiomhole’s assertions, urging security agencies to intensify their efforts in tackling illegal mining. This call to action underscores the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to address the intertwined issues of economic exploitation and security within Nigeria’s mining sectors.
