The Federal Government has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, arresting two suspected illegal miners and sealing off an illegal gold mining site in Ileki-Ijesa, Osun State, during a coordinated enforcement operation.
The operation, carried out by officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development from the Ogun, Oyo and Osun state offices alongside security agencies, followed credible intelligence on illegal artisanal mining activities along the Ile-Ife–Ilesa Road.
According to officials, several suspected illegal miners fled into nearby bushes when the enforcement team arrived. However, two suspects were apprehended, while the authorities dismantled the illegal mining camp, sealed the site and confiscated equipment allegedly used for the operation.
Items recovered during the raid reportedly include motorcycles, pumping machines, Lister generators, washing equipment, large hose pipes, gold-trapping carpets, cutlasses and other mining tools believed to have been used in the illegal activities.
Speaking during the operation, the Southwest Zonal Mines Officer, Ajibade Ganiyu, said the exercise forms part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to enforce the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, protect the environment, safeguard lives and preserve the nation’s mineral resources. He stressed that illegal mining causes severe environmental degradation, robs the country of valuable revenue and threatens the safety of host communities.
Authorities also disclosed that the arrested suspects are assisting investigators with information that could help identify and apprehend those financing and coordinating the illegal mining activities. The government has reiterated its commitment to sustaining similar enforcement operations across the country as part of efforts to eliminate illegal mining and hold offenders accountable.
The latest operation comes amid the Federal Government’s broader campaign to strengthen regulation of Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, curb economic sabotage and ensure that mining activities are conducted legally and in accordance with environmental standards.
Do you think the government should impose tougher penalties on illegal miners to better protect Nigeria’s mineral resources and the environment? Share your thoughts in the comments.
