The federal government has intensified its nationwide crackdown against illegal mining with the arrest of two alleged illegal miners during a coordinated enforcement operation at an illegal mining site in Osun State.
The information is contained in a statement by Lara Owoeye- Wise, the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the Ministry says the suspects are Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru, both in their twenties, are in the custody of security agents, giving information that would help investigators fish out their sponsors.
The statement explained that the operation which was carried out by officials from the 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 but on sighting the joint task team, some suspects fled into nearby bushes as two suspects were arrested, mining equipment and other tools used in the illegal operation were confiscated and the major operational bases established by the illegal miners dismantled.
Speaking during the operation, the Southwest Zonal Mines Officer, Ajibade Ganiyu who led the team on the enforcement exercise, said the operation forms part of the Federal Government’s sustained efforts to enforce compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, protect the environment, safeguard lives and preserve the nation’s mineral resources.
The Ministry says the illegal site has been sealed in accordance with the law.
Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie
