FG Cracks Down on Illegal Gold Mining, Arrests Two Suspects in Osun

The Federal Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities with the arrest of two suspected illegal miners and the closure of an unauthorized gold mining site in Osun State.

The suspects, identified as Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru, both in their twenties, were apprehended during a coordinated enforcement operation at an illegal artisanal mining camp in Ileki-Ijesa, located along the Ile-Ife–Ilesa Road.

According to the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the operation was carried out by officials from its Ogun, Oyo and Osun State offices in collaboration with security agencies as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the nation’s mineral resources.

The ministry disclosed that the two suspects, believed to be casual workers at the mining site, are currently assisting investigators with useful information that could lead to the arrest of those financing and coordinating the illegal operation.

Officials also sealed the mining site during the raid to halt further illegal extraction of mineral resources and prevent environmental degradation linked to unauthorized mining activities.

The Federal Government has repeatedly warned that illegal mining deprives the country of revenue, fuels insecurity, damages the environment and poses serious safety risks to host communities.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening surveillance and enforcement across mining communities, stressing that individuals and groups involved in illegal mining will continue to face prosecution in accordance with Nigeria’s mining laws.

The latest operation is part of the government’s broader efforts to sanitize the solid minerals sector, promote responsible mining practices and ensure that mineral resources are exploited legally for national economic development.

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