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The Federal Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining with the arrest of two suspected illegal miners and the closure of an illegal gold mining site at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife–Ilesa Road in Osun State. The operation, carried out by officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development from Ogun, Oyo and Osun states in collaboration with security agencies, followed credible intelligence on the activities of illegal artisanal miners in the area. The suspects, Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru, are said to be assisting investigators with information that could lead to the arrest of those financing the illegal operation.
During the raid, several suspects fled into nearby bushes, but security operatives arrested the two suspects, confiscated mining equipment—including motorcycles, generators, pumping machines, mineral washing tools and gold-trapping carpets—and dismantled the illegal mining camp before sealing the site in line with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. Southwest Zonal Mines Officer Ajibade Ganiyu said the operation forms part of the government’s sustained efforts to protect the environment, safeguard lives and preserve Nigeria’s mineral resources from illegal exploitation.
The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to eliminating illegal mining through stronger enforcement, intelligence gathering and regulatory reforms. He noted that the establishment of the Mining Marshals has led to the arrest of more than 300 illegal miners, the prosecution of over 150 suspects, including foreign nationals, and the shutdown of several illegal mining sites nationwide. The minister also urged traditional rulers, community leaders and residents of mining communities to support security agencies by reporting illegal mining activities.
