*The Federal Government explains the aim of enforcement operation targeting illicit mining activities in Nigeria is to protect the environment, and prevent the illegal exploitation of mineral resources, as well as economic sabotage in the West African country
Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect
In a coordinated enforcement operation targeting illicit mining activities in the state, the Nigerian Government has arrested two suspected illegal miners, and shut a mining site in Osun State.
ConsumerConnect gathered that certain Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru, both suspect illegal miners in their twenties, and described as casual workers, are assisting investigators with information expected to lead to the arrest of those behind the illegal operation.
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The officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development from Ogun, Oyo and Osun states carried out the operation in collaboration with security agencies, report said.
The offensive against unauthorised mining also targeted illegal artisanal mining camps at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife-Ilesa Road.
Speaking on the development, Lara Owoeye-Wise, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, affirmed the operation in a statement Sunday, July 12, 2026.
The Ministry disclosed the raid followed credible intelligence on the activities of illegal miners operating in the area.
The statement noted that the members of its Solid Minerals Task Force stormed the site after receiving a tip-off.
The government also said while several suspects fled into nearby bushes on sighting the enforcement team, two suspected illegal miners were arrested and mining equipment used for the illicit activities was confiscated.
The enforcement team as well dismantled the operational bases established by the illegal miners, and shut the site in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
Owoeye-Wise stated: “The operation, which was carried out by officials from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in Ogun, Oyo and Osun State offices, in collaboration with security agencies, targeted illegal artisanal mining camps at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife/Ilesa Road.
“Acting on a tip-off, personnel of the Solid Minerals task force swooped down on the suspected illegal miners.”
The government said: “However, on sighting the joint task team, some suspects fled into nearby bushes.
“Two suspects were, however, arrested, while mining equipment and other tools used in the illegal operation were confiscated.
“The enforcement team also dismantled the major operational bases established by the illegal miners.”
Recovered items from suspects
The Ministry indicated that the enforcement officials, during the operation, recovered items included two motorcycles, pumping machines, Lister generators, mineral washing equipment, large hose pipes, gold-trapping carpets, cutlasses, and other mining implements believed to have been used for illegal mining activities.
On application of provisions in Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act
Speaking during the operation, the South-West Zonal Mines Officer, Ajibade Ganiyu, reportedly said the raid was part of the Federal Government’s sustained effort at enforcing compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
The aim is to protect the environment, and prevent the illegal exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.
He said the Ministry would continue surveillance and enforcement operations across the South-West, and other parts of the country to curb illegal mining.
Wasiu Adeboye, Osun State Mines Officer, also warned the operation should serve as a clear signal that illegal mining would no longer be tolerated.
Adeboye said: “This enforcement exercise sends a clear message that illegal mining will no longer be tolerated. Sponsors, financiers and perpetrators of these unlawful activities should know that they will continue to face the full weight of the law.
“We will sustain these operations until illegal mining is brought under control.”
Alake: Sanitising the mining sector remains national priority
Reacting to the operation, Dr. Dele Alake, Honourable Minister for Solid Minerals Development (MSMD), said the Tinubu administration had made sanitising the mining sector a national priority through stronger enforcement, regulatory reforms, intelligence gathering and community engagement.
The statement noted the Minister said the establishment of the Mining Marshals had strengthened enforcement efforts.
Alake affirmed that the move has resulted in the arrest of over 300 illegal miners, the prosecution of over 150 suspects, including foreign nationals, and the closure of several illegal mining sites nationwide.
He equally stated the ongoing nationwide operations form part of a broader strategy to ensure Nigeria’s mineral resources are exploited through lawful, transparent and responsible mining practices.
The Minister, therefore, urged traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, and residents of mining communities to support the Nigerian Government’s efforts by refusing to harbour illegal miners.
He also encouraged them to offer credible intelligence to security agencies and the ministry.