A previous governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole, recently raised concerns about the involvement of certain retired military officials in illicit mining operations within the country. Oshiomole, who chairs the Senate Committee on Interior, expressed these allegations during a committee meeting where the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Solid Minerals Development presented a report.
Oshiomole emphasized that the government’s efforts to diversify the economy might be futile if the issue of illegal mining is not addressed promptly. He stressed the need to eradicate illegal mining activities to make any allocated funds for the solid minerals sector effective.
The former governor highlighted that illegal mining is being carried out by retired generals, which poses a significant challenge. He mentioned instances where illegal miners in Zamfara were reported to possess arms similar to those used in conflict zones like South Sudan.
Oshiomole criticized the government’s inconsistent approach in tackling illegal mining compared to other illicit activities. He called for a more aggressive enforcement strategy, suggesting the deployment of military forces to combat the issue effectively.
He also pointed out that illegal miners are well-equipped and operate with impunity, often smuggling valuable resources out of the country for substantial profits. Oshiomole expressed disappointment in the government’s response to this serious issue, urging for immediate action to address the criminal activities.
The panel members agreed with Oshiomole’s recommendations and urged security agencies to take decisive steps to curb illegal mining activities. However, some retired military generals refuted Oshiomole’s claims, denouncing them as baseless accusations aimed at tarnishing their reputation.
In a separate statement, retired Brig. Gen. John Sura dismissed Oshiomole’s allegations as falsehoods, asserting that retired generals prioritize national interests and would not engage in activities that undermine the country’s sovereignty. He emphasized the commitment of retired generals to Nigeria’s unity and development.
Another retired general, Gen. Bashir Adewinbi, also rejected Oshiomole’s accusations, stating that he was unaware of any retired military official involved in illegal mining activities. Adewinbi emphasized that such claims were misleading and lacked credibility.
In conclusion, the issue of illegal mining involving retired military personnel remains a topic of debate, with conflicting perspectives on the alleged involvement of generals in such illicit activities.