Retired Generals Collude with Foreigners to Illegally Exploit Solid Minerals – Oshiomhole

 

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Adams Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, has reiterated his allegations that some retired military generals are colluding with foreigners to illegally exploit Nigeria’s solid minerals. Speaking on Arise TV’s Prime Time Show on February 4, 2025, Oshiomhole clarified that his initial statement did not implicate all retired generals but specifically highlighted the involvement of a few. He emphasized that it would be irresponsible to generalize, stating, “It’s not sensible to say all retired generals are involved in illegal mining. That would be a reckless, sweeping generalization.”

Oshiomhole’s claims are based on a report from a retired general who witnessed the illicit activities firsthand. According to the senator, this retired officer detailed how foreigners, in collaboration with some retired generals, were stealing Nigeria’s solid minerals. Oshiomhole urged the officer to summarize his findings in a two-to-three-page report, which he then submitted to former President Muhammadu Buhari. He described the retired general as a patriotic individual who, despite being retired, remained committed to Nigeria’s security and development.

The senator recounted his conversation with the retired general, who warned that if the illegal mining activities were not addressed, the security challenges in the Northeast would pale in comparison. Oshiomhole expressed his concern over the lack of decisive action to protect Nigeria’s solid minerals, contrasting it with the efforts to safeguard oil resources in the Niger Delta. He urged Buhari to engage directly with the retired general for more detailed insights, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Oshiomhole’s revelations underscore the need for stronger oversight and enforcement to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s natural resources. His call to action highlights the potential national security implications of unchecked exploitation and the importance of addressing corruption within the system. The allegations serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in managing its vast mineral wealth and ensuring it benefits the nation as a whole.

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