The Federal Government has arrested two suspected illegal miners and shut down a mining site in Osun State. This action is part of the government's ongoing efforts to stop illegal mineral exploitation.
Officials from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development worked with security agencies to target illegal mining camps at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife, Ilesa Road.
The ministry released a statement on Sunday through the minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Lara Owoeye-Wise. The operation followed reliable information about illegal miners working in the area.
The two suspects are Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru. Both are in their twenties and described as casual workers.
According to the ministry, the suspects are cooperating with investigators. They are giving information that might help catch those funding and organizing the illegal mining.
The Solid Minerals Task Force raided the site after receiving a tip-off. Many suspects ran into nearby bushes when they saw the enforcement team. Two suspects were caught, and mining equipment used in illegal activities was taken.
The team also dismantled the miners’ camps and sealed the site based on the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
Equipment recovered
During the raid, officials recovered several items. These include two motorcycles, pumping machines, Lister generators, mineral-washing equipment, large hose pipes, gold-trapping carpets, cutlasses, and other tools used for illegal mining.
Ajibade Ganiyu, the South-west Zonal Mines Officer who led the operation, said this raid is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enforce mining regulations. He mentioned the importance of protecting the environment and preserving Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Ganiyu added that the ministry will keep monitoring and enforcing laws across the South-west and other areas to stop illegal mining and restore order.
Osun State Mines Officer, Wasiu Adeboye, also spoke. He warned that illegal miners and their backers will face serious consequences.
“This enforcement exercise sends a clear message that illegal mining will no longer be tolerated. Sponsors, financiers, and those involved in these illegal activities should know they will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Government vows sustained crackdown
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, stated that the Tinubu administration is focused on cleaning up the mining sector. This will be done through stronger enforcement, gathering intelligence, regulatory reforms, and engaging with communities.
Alake said that setting up the Mining Marshals has greatly improved enforcement across the country. He noted that more than 300 illegal miners have been arrested, and over 150 suspects, including foreigners, are currently facing prosecution. Many illegal mining sites have also been shut down nationwide.
The minister mentioned that the ongoing enforcement operations are part of a bigger plan to ensure Nigeria’s mineral resources are used legally and transparently. This approach should benefit the country's economy.
He added that Nigeria's fight against illegal mining is part of a larger effort in Africa to promote responsible mineral governance and stop illegal exploitation of the continent's valuable mineral resources.
Alake urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and residents in mining areas to help the government by reporting illegal mining activities and not protecting offenders.
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