BREAKING: FG CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL GOLD MINING, ARRESTS TWO SUSPECTS, SHUTS OSUN SITE

FG CRACKS DOWN ON ILLEGAL GOLD MINING, ARRESTS TWO SUSPECTS, SHUTS OSUN SITE

The Federal Government has intensified its campaign against illegal mining with the arrest of two suspected illegal miners and the closure of an unauthorized gold mining site in Osun State.

The operation, carried out by officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in collaboration with security agencies, targeted illegal artisanal mining camps at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife–Ilesa Road.

The two suspects, identified as Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru, both casual workers in their twenties, were arrested during the enforcement exercise. Authorities said the suspects are providing information expected to assist investigators in identifying and apprehending those sponsoring the illegal operation.

According to a statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Lara Owoeye-Wise, the raid followed credible intelligence on the activities of illegal miners operating in the area.

The ministry disclosed that members of the Solid Minerals Task Force stormed the site after receiving a tip-off. While several suspects reportedly fled into nearby bushes upon sighting the enforcement team, the two suspects were apprehended, and mining equipment used for the illegal activities was confiscated.

The enforcement team also dismantled major operational bases established by the miners and sealed the site in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

Items recovered during the operation included two motorcycles, pumping machines, Lister generators, mineral washing equipment, large hose pipes, gold-trapping carpets, cutlasses and other mining tools believed to have been used in the illegal mining activities.

Leading the operation, the Southwest Zonal Mines Officer, Ajibade Ganiyu, said the raid forms part of the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with mining regulations, protect the environment, safeguard lives and prevent the illegal exploitation of Nigeria's mineral resources.

He assured that surveillance and enforcement operations would continue across the Southwest and other parts of the country to restore order in the mining sector.

Also speaking, the Osun State Mines Officer, Wasiu Adeboye, warned that the operation sends a strong message that illegal mining will no longer be tolerated.

He stated that sponsors, financiers and perpetrators of illegal mining activities would continue to face the full weight of the law until the menace is brought under control.

Reacting to the development, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, said the Tinubu administration has made the sanitisation of Nigeria's mining sector a national priority through stronger enforcement, regulatory reforms, intelligence gathering and community engagement.

According to the minister, the establishment of the Mining Marshals has significantly boosted enforcement efforts, leading to the arrest of more than 300 illegal miners and the prosecution of over 150 suspects, including foreign nationals, while several illegal mining sites have been shut down across the country.

Alake added that the nationwide crackdown is part of a broader strategy to ensure Nigeria's mineral resources are exploited through lawful, transparent and responsible mining practices.

He also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and residents of mining communities to support government efforts by reporting illegal mining activities and refusing to provide shelter or protection to offenders.