The Web of Illegal Mining in Nigeria
Senator Adams Oshiomhole recently made startling revelations about retired generals being deeply involved in illegal mining across Nigeria.
His claim has been further validated by public affairs analyst Abdulsalam Suleiman Izuagbe, who exposed how powerful figures are exploiting Nigeria’s vast mineral wealth while fueling insecurity.
Retired Generals and Political Elites in the Mining Business
Oshiomhole, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, emphasized that illegal mining remains a major obstacle to Nigeria’s economic diversification.
He revealed that during his tenure, he alerted former President Muhammadu Buhari about the extent of illegal mining, particularly in Zamfara State.
Jonathan Vatsa, a former Commissioner in Niger State, supported Oshiomhole’s stance, stating that illegal mining is intertwined with banditry and remains one of Northern Nigeria’s most lucrative yet destructive businesses.
“The illegal mining industry in Nigeria is backed by powerful retired military officers, politicians, and business elites,” Vatsa noted.
Foreign Interests and Secret Gold Lifting
Abdulsalam Suleiman Izuagbe disclosed that retired military officers control mining operations in Zamfara’s Anka Local Government Area.
According to him, South Koreans, not Chinese as initially thought, are airlifting illegally mined gold twice a week using helicopters.
“The real landowners have been overpowered. These retired generals manipulate the locals while foreign corporations reap the benefits,” Izuagbe explained.
He also stressed that Nigeria has sufficient gold reserves to eliminate the need for international loans from the IMF and World Bank.
Illegal Mining and Insecurity: A Dangerous Connection
Izuagbe alleged that illegal miners instigate insecurity in the North to maintain control over their operations.
By funding armed groups and using retired military officers as enforcers, these criminals ensure that no one dares to challenge them.
“Bandits and terrorists are merely pawns in a larger scheme. As long as there’s conflict, illegal mining will thrive,” he warned.
Reports indicate that criminals like Turji Bello impose taxes on farmers, making life unbearable for rural communities.
Those who fail to pay risk being executed without negotiation.
The Role of Local Communities in Illegal Mining
Many locals remain silent because they receive financial incentives from both miners and bandits. Some mining bosses even supply armed groups with bulletproof vehicles and weapons to sustain their dominance.
“You cannot fund terrorism without financial backing. The delay in taking decisive action has only emboldened these criminals,” Izuagbe added.
How Nigeria Can Curb Illegal Mining
Security expert Steve Obochi Okwori urged the government to conduct thorough profiling of mining operations, separating legitimate miners from illegal exploiters.
“The government must take decisive steps to identify and shut down illegal mining operations. No individual should be above the law,” he stated.
He suggested temporarily suspending all mining activities nationwide for six months to allow authorities to investigate and sanitize the industry.
Final Thoughts
Illegal mining in Nigeria is not just an economic issue—it’s a national security crisis. If left unchecked, it will continue to fund terrorism, destroy local communities, and drain the nation’s resources.
The government must act swiftly to dismantle this powerful network of illegal miners and foreign exploiters.
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