The Federal Government has arrested two suspected illegal miners and sealed an unlawful mining site in Osun State during a joint enforcement operation aimed at tackling illegal mineral exploitation.
The suspects, identified as Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru, both casual labourers in their twenties, were apprehended during a raid on an illegal artisanal mining camp at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife–Ilesa Road.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Lara Owoeye-Wise, the operation was carried out by officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development from Ogun, Oyo and Osun states in collaboration with security agencies after receiving credible intelligence on the activities of illegal miners in the area.
The ministry said members of the Solid Minerals Task Force stormed the site, but several suspects escaped into nearby bushes on sighting the enforcement team. Two suspects were, however, arrested and are currently assisting investigators with information expected to lead to the arrest of those sponsoring the illegal operation.
During the raid, officials confiscated several items allegedly used for illegal mining, including two motorcycles, pumping machines, Lister generators, mineral washing equipment, large hose pipes, gold-trapping carpets, cutlasses and other mining tools.
The enforcement team also dismantled operational camps established by the miners and sealed the site in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
Speaking after the operation, the Southwest Zonal Mines Officer, Ajibade Ganiyu, said the raid formed part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to enforce mining regulations, protect the environment and prevent the illegal exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.
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He assured that surveillance and enforcement operations would continue across the Southwest and other parts of the country to eliminate illegal mining activities and restore order to the sector.
Also speaking, the Osun State Mines Officer, Wasiu Adeboye, warned sponsors and operators of illegal mining activities that the government would continue to pursue offenders and ensure they face the full weight of the law.
Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, said the Tinubu administration had prioritised sanitising the mining sector through stricter enforcement, regulatory reforms, intelligence gathering and community engagement.
According to the minister, the establishment of the Mining Marshals has strengthened enforcement efforts, resulting in the arrest of more than 300 suspected illegal miners, the prosecution of over 150 suspects—including foreign nationals—and the closure of several illegal mining sites across the country.
Alake urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of mining communities to support government efforts by reporting illegal mining activities and refusing to shield those involved in unlawful mineral exploitation.