The senator representing Edo North from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, has made grave allegations regarding the involvement of certain military officers and prominent individuals in illegal mining activities throughout Nigeria.
During a recent session of the Senate, Oshiomhole made grave allegations against retired military officers and other prominent individuals, claiming their involvement in illegal mining operations. He contended that these activities have disproportionately benefited a select few while inflicting significant economic harm on the nation. “Those participating in illegal mining are equipped with helicopters and firearms, employing tactics reminiscent of those used by militants in the South-South region. They supply weaponry to these groups, transport gold via helicopters, and export the precious metal out of the country, amassing billions of dollars in the process. All the while, the federal government is failing to take adequate measures to confront this pressing issue,” Oshiomhole declared.
He claimed that these weapons are utilized not only to safeguard mining operations and foreign workers, particularly Chinese nationals, but also to partake in various criminal activities, including banditry and kidnapping.
As the Chief of the Committee, I strongly encourage the Chairman of the Defence Staff to notify the defense community that a number of retired military personnel, including former army officers, are actively involved in this matter.
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“The individuals in question have been manipulated by powerful figures engaged in illegal activities who have deployed them to secure certain territories. These weapons are primarily intended to safeguard the Chinese and other foreign workers who were hired to conduct mining operations. However, on occasion, the same weapons are used for criminal acts such as banditry, kidnapping, and other heinous activities currently taking place.”
“I presented this letter to the former president during my tenure as the national chairman of the APC, advising him, ‘Reach out to this general for a more detailed briefing.’ Remarkably, the events that unfolded in that region aligned precisely with what the general had predicted,” he stated.
Senator Oshiomhole candidly criticized the federal government for its perceived inaction, emphasizing that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector is being exploited while the country endures economic hardship. He also condemned the selective enforcement of justice, implying that certain individuals, including retired generals and high-ranking officials, seem to operate above the law.
“It’s not that we are unaware of the locations; we have conducted a comprehensive survey detailing our resources throughout Nigeria. As we speak, illegal mining activities are ongoing, allowing these individuals to amass wealth while the country itself continues to suffer economically.”
Oshiomhole urged his fellow senators to go beyond mere lamentations and actively seek solutions. He emphasized the need for the Senate to hold the executive branch accountable and to ensure improved regulation of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The senator emphasizes the need for proactive measures to address illegal mining in Nigeria, urging the executive branch to deploy the same force used against illegal oil bunkering to combat this issue. He insists that anyone involved in these activities, regardless of their previous positions, should be held accountable, demonstrating that such actions will not be tolerated.
Oshiomhole Exposes Illegal Mining Syndicate Involving Retired Military Officers
