Abuja, Nigeria – May 2, 2025 – Senator Adams Oshiomhole has decried what he described as the federal government’s double standards in its handling of illegal natural resource extraction in Nigeria, alleging that several retired military generals are actively involved in illegal mining operations across the country.
Speaking during a committee session, Oshiomhole expressed outrage over the government’s ruthless crackdown on illegal oil bunkering in the South-South region, while turning a blind eye to widespread illegal mining activities, especially in the North.
“There is no question in my view — and I come from an area rich in solid minerals — that there is hardly any part of Nigeria without solid mineral deposits. Even in the South-South. But what I observe is a disturbing disparity: while the federal government deploys the Joint Task Force (JTF) to combat oil theft, with full military force, illegal mining of solid minerals is largely ignored,” Oshiomhole said.
The former APC National Chairman disclosed that he had written a letter to then-President Muhammadu Buhari, warning about the security implications of illegal mining, especially in states like Zamfara and Kaduna. He revealed that a retired general had informed him of the growing threat, saying:
“This general told me that the illegal mining cartels were more dangerous than the political challenges we were dealing with. He warned that if not addressed, these activities would destabilize the region.”
According to Oshiomhole, these illegal mining operations are well-funded and highly organized. He alleged that those involved use helicopters to extract and transport gold out of the country, arms are procured to protect mining sites, and Chinese and other foreign nationals are employed on the ground.
“These actors bring in weapons and use them to secure territory — not just for mining, but also for other criminal activities like kidnapping and banditry,” he said. “In some cases, the same weapons are used against innocent Nigerians.”
He further lamented that despite security agencies being aware of these activities, no meaningful action has been taken.
“We have surveys that show exactly where these minerals are located. The authorities know. Yet nothing is being done. We all know certain foreign nationals are involved — even now as we speak — and they are getting richer while Nigerians become victims of the consequences: insecurity, banditry, and economic loss.”
Oshiomhole called on the military and relevant authorities to come clean and act decisively.
“The day we are unable to tell the truth about these matters, this country cannot flourish. When it affects our own people, we speak strongly. But when others are involved, we hesitate — that is the double standard we must stop.”
He concluded with a call for accountability:
“Who can afford a helicopter to land in an illegal mining site, carry gold, and fly it straight to the airport and out of the country? These are not ordinary criminals. This is organized crime, enabled by high-level complicity. I completely agree — it’s time we acted.”
