In an effort to purge the mining industry of unlawful practices, federal authorities recently captured two individuals engaged in unauthorized mining activities in Osun State. A statement from Lara Owoeye-Wise, media aide to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, identified the detainees as Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru. The pair are currently assisting authorities in identifying their financiers.
A joint task force, comprising officials from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and various security agencies, executed the raid at Ileki-Ijesa. While some individuals managed to escape into the brush, officials secured the site, seizing various tools such as generators, pumping machines, and gold-trapping equipment. The location has since been officially sealed.
Ajibade Ganiyu, the Southwest Zonal Mines Officer, emphasized that these actions align with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. He noted that Minister Dele Alake is prioritizing continuous surveillance to restore order to the sector. Wasiu Adeboye, the Osun State Mines Officer, warned that anyone involved in financing or supporting these illegal activities will face legal repercussions.
Minister Alake highlighted that the Tinubu administration has made sector sanitization a core priority. The introduction of Mining Marshals has bolstered enforcement, resulting in over 300 arrests and more than 150 prosecutions nationwide. The Minister urged community leaders and residents to collaborate with the government by reporting illicit activities, noting that illegal mining damages the environment and drains national revenue.
