Blessing Bello, Reporting
THE Federal Government has arrested more than 300 illegal miners and prosecuted over 150 suspects, including foreign nationals, while shutting down several illegal sites across the country as it intensifies its nationwide clampdown on illegal mining.
The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development announced the arrests following a coordinated enforcement operation at an illegal mining site in Ileki-Ijesa, Osun State, at the weekend.
Joint Task Force Raids Illegal Camps in Osun
The operation was carried out by Mining Marshals led by officials from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development from the Ogun, Oyo and Osun state offices, in collaboration with other security agencies. The team targeted illegal artisanal mining camps along the Ile-Ife/Ilesa Road.
According to the Ministry, the operation followed credible intelligence. On sighting the joint task force, some suspected miners fled into nearby bushes.
Two suspects were apprehended, while various mining equipment were confiscated.
Items recovered from the site include two motorcycles, pumping machines, Lister generators, washing equipment, large hose pipes, gold-trapping carpets, cutlasses and other mining implements.
The enforcement team also dismantled the major operational bases and sealed off the illegal sites.
Operation Sends Clear Signal
Leading the operation, the Southwest Zonal Mines Officer, Mr. Ajibade Ganiyu, said the exercise forms part of the government’s sustained efforts to enforce compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
He added that the goal is to protect the environment, safeguard lives and preserve the nation’s mineral resources.
The Osun State Mines Officer, Mr. Wasiu Adeboye, said the operation sends a clear signal that illegal mining will no longer be tolerated.
He warned that sponsors, financiers and perpetrators of the illicit trade would continue to face the full weight of the law.
Minister Alake Vows Continued Crackdown
Speaking on the development, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Mr. Dele Alake, said the Tinubu administration has made sanitisation of the mining sector a national priority.
He cited stronger enforcement, regulatory reforms, intelligence gathering and community engagement as key pillars of the reforms.
The Minister, who also chairs the African Mineral Strategy Group (AMSG), disclosed that the establishment of the Mining Marshals has strengthened enforcement capacity.
He said over 300 illegal miners have been arrested and more than 150 suspects, including foreign nationals, prosecuted, while several illegal sites have been shut down across the country.
Call for Community Partnership
Mr. Alake called on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and residents in mining communities to support the fight.
“Illegal mining destroys the environment, fuels insecurity and deprives the nation of legitimate revenue. Communities must become active partners in protecting their mineral resources,” he said.
The Ministry assured Nigerians that intelligence-led enforcement operations will continue across all mining corridors.
It reiterated that there will be no safe haven for illegal miners or their sponsors, as efforts to reposition the sector as a major driver of national economic growth remain irreversible.
