FG Arrests Two Suspects in Osun Illegal Mining Crackdown

The Federal Government of Nigeria has intensified its nationwide crackdown on illegal mining, resulting in the arrest of two suspects, Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru, in Osun State. This operation was coordinated by the Solid Minerals Task Force, with support from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, led by Special Assistant to the Minister, Lara Owoey.

The enforcement team, acting on a tip-off, targeted illegal artisan mining camps along the Ileki Ijesa road. Although some suspects fled into nearby bushes, the team successfully apprehended two individuals and confiscated various mining equipment, including two motorcycles, a pump machine, and other tools used for illegal operations.

The operation is part of the government's sustained efforts to enforce compliance with the Nigerian Mining Act, protect the environment, and safeguard the livelihoods of legitimate miners. Henri Dele Alak, the Minister, reaffirmed the government's determination to eliminate illegal mining activities and ensure that Nigeria's mineral wealth benefits the country.