The Federal Government has arrested two suspected illegal miners and sealed an unauthorised gold mining site at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife/Ilesa Road in Osun State.
This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Lara Owoeye-Wise.
The suspects, identified as Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru, both in their twenties and described as casual workers, are said to be providing useful information to help investigators track their sponsors.
The operation was carried out by officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development from Ogun, Oyo and Osun states, in collaboration with security agencies.
According to the ministry, the raid followed credible intelligence on illegal artisanal mining activities in the area. Several suspects fled into nearby bushes on sighting the enforcement team.
During the raid, the task force confiscated mining equipment, including two motorcycles, pumping machines, Lister generators, mineral washing equipment, large hose pipes, gold-trapping carpets, cutlasses and other implements.
The team also dismantled major operational bases and sealed the site in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
The Southwest Zonal Mines Officer, Ajibade Ganiyu, who led the operation, said it was part of the Federal Government’s sustained efforts to enforce compliance, protect the environment and safeguard the nation’s mineral resources.
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