Senate reveals those behind illegal mining in Nigeria

The Nigerian Senate has alleged that retired military generals are heavily involved in illegal mining activities across the country, an operation said to undermine national economic growth.

During a session in Abuja, Senator Sampson Ekong, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development, disclosed this while presenting a report to the Senate Committee on Appropriation.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, strongly criticized the government’s lax approach to combating illegal mining, describing it as a double standard compared to the aggressive measures taken against oil bunkering in the Niger Delta.

Oshiomhole expressed concern over the economic implications of these activities, revealing that gold is being extracted and smuggled out of the country with the use of helicopters, generating billions of dollars for those behind the illicit trade.

“A Call for Military Intervention in Mining Sector
The senator called for the deployment of military forces, similar to the Joint Task Force (JTF) used in the Niger Delta, to address the crisis in the solid minerals sector and safeguard Nigeria’s resources.

“While the federal government is ruthless with illegal oil bunkering by deploying the Joint Military Task Force, it uses a different approach for illegal mining,” Oshiomhole said. “This double standard is unacceptable, and I am very angry about it.”

He emphasized the need to treat illegal mining with the same level of urgency, urging the government to take decisive action against powerful individuals, including retired generals, allegedly behind the operations.

Revealing the Depth of Illegal Mining Operations
The former Edo State governor shared details of past efforts to address the issue, including a letter to former President Muhammadu Buhari, urging him to investigate the activities of these retired generals.

Oshiomhole explained that illegal miners have been “weaponized” by influential figures to secure territories and facilitate their operations. These individuals reportedly provide arms to miners and employ helicopters to transport gold directly to airports for export.

“Who can afford to buy a chopper, land in an illegal mining site, cart away gold, and fly out of the country? This is happening right now,” he said.

The senator stressed that the government has comprehensive data on the locations of these illegal mining activities but has failed to act decisively.

“It’s Time to Act, Not Lament”
Oshiomhole urged the federal government to replicate the aggressive tactics used in tackling oil bunkering in the mining sector, noting that the same level of force and determination should be applied to bring those involved to justice.

“Whether it’s a retired general, a former permanent secretary, or a trade unionist, anyone involved in these illegal activities must be dealt with,” he declared. “We cannot continue to lament; we must fix the problem.”

The Senate’s revelations have sparked widespread concern, with calls for immediate action to end illegal mining and ensure Nigeria’s resources benefit the nation rather than a few powerful individuals.