The Federal Government says it is stepping up action against illegal mining after two suspected illegal miners were arrested at a site in Osun State.
A Sunday statement from Lara Owoeye-Wise, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, said the arrests came during a coordinated enforcement raid.
“The arrested suspects, Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru, both in their twenties, were casual workers.
“Both are giving useful information that would help investigators fish out their sponsors.
“The operation, which was carried out by officials from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Ogun, Oyo and Osun State offices, in collaboration with security agencies, targeted illegal artisanal mining camps at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife/Ilesa Road.
“Acting on a tip-off, personnel of the Solid Minerals task force swooped down on the suspected illegal miners. However, on sighting the joint task team, some suspects fled into nearby bushes. Two suspects were however, arrested, while mining equipment and other tools used in the illegal operation were confiscated.
“The enforcement team dismantled the major operational bases established by the illegal miners.
“Items recovered from the sites include two motorcycles, pumping machines, Lister generators, washing equipment, large hose pipes, gold-trapping carpets, cutlasses and other mining implements.
“The illegal site has been sealed off in accordance with the law.”
Southwest Zonal Mines Officer Ajibade Ganiyu, who led the team, said the raid is part of efforts to enforce the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, protect the environment and safeguard lives. The ministry, under Mr. Henry Dele Alake, will keep up surveillance and enforcement across the Southwest and beyond.
Osun State Mines Officer Wasiu Adeboye warned sponsors and financiers will face the law. Minister Dr. Dele Alake said the Tinubu administration has made sector clean-up a priority, and that the Mining Marshals have helped arrest more than 300 illegal miners and prosecute over 150 suspects, including foreigners.
“Illegal mining destroys the environment, fuels insecurity, deprives the nation of legitimate revenue and undermines the livelihoods of law-abiding miners. The fight against this menace cannot be won by government alone. Communities must become active partners in protecting their mineral resources”, he said.
The government vowed there will be no safe haven for illegal miners or their sponsors.
