Nigeria Shuts Illegal Mining Site and Arrests Two Suspects in Osun State

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development arrested two suspected illegal miners and shut down an illegal mining site in Osun State on July 13, AllAfrica reported. The operation targeted artisanal camps at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife-Ilesa Road after credible intelligence and a tip-off reached the Solid Minerals Task Force.

Officials identified the detainees as Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru, both in their twenties and described as casual workers.

Several other suspects fled into nearby bushes when the enforcement team arrived. The ministry said the two men are cooperating with investigators and providing information that could lead to the arrest of those financing the operation. The team, led by South-west Zonal Mines Officer Ajibade Ganiyu, confiscated two motorcycles, pumping machines, Lister generators, mineral-washing equipment, large hose pipes, gold-trapping carpets, cutlasses and other implements.

They dismantled the operational camps and sealed the site in line with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act. Osun State Mines Officer Wasiu Adeboye warned that illegal miners and their sponsors would continue to face the full weight of the law. "This enforcement exercise sends a clear message that illegal mining will no longer be tolerated," he said.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake stated that the Tinubu administration has made sanitising the mining sector a national priority through stronger enforcement, intelligence gathering, regulatory reforms and community engagement. He noted that the Mining Marshals have strengthened efforts nationwide, resulting in more than 300 arrests and over 150 suspects, including foreign nationals, currently facing prosecution.