The Federal Government has arrested two suspected illegal miners and shut down an illegal mining site in Osun State during a joint enforcement operation aimed at tackling unlawful mineral exploitation.

The suspects, identified as Danladi Isa and Musa Kabiru, both casual workers in their twenties, were apprehended during the operation and are assisting investigators with information expected to lead to the arrest of those behind the illegal mining activities.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Lara Owoeye-Wise, 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.

The enforcement exercise targeted illegal artisanal mining camps located at Ileki-Ijesa along the Ile-Ife-Ilesa Road following credible intelligence on illegal mining activities in the area.

The ministry said members of the Solid Minerals Task Force stormed the site after receiving a tip-off. While several suspects escaped into nearby bushes on sighting the enforcement team, two suspects were arrested and a cache of mining equipment was confiscated.

Officials also dismantled the operational bases used by the illegal miners and sealed the site in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

Recovered items included two motorcycles, pumping machines, Lister generators, mineral washing equipment, large hose pipes, gold-trapping carpets, cutlasses and other tools allegedly used in the illegal mining operations.

Speaking after the raid, Ajibade Ganiyu, who led the enforcement team, said the operation formed part of the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to enforce compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, protect the environment and curb the illegal exploitation of the country’s mineral resources.

He said the ministry would continue surveillance and enforcement operations across the Southwest and other parts of the country to eliminate illegal mining and restore order to the sector.

Also commenting, Wasiu Adeboye warned that the operation demonstrated the government’s resolve to end illegal mining, stressing that sponsors, financiers and perpetrators of such activities would continue to face prosecution.

Reacting to the development, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made the sanitisation of the mining sector a national priority through stricter enforcement, regulatory reforms, intelligence gathering and community engagement.

Alake said the establishment of the Mining Marshals has strengthened the government’s enforcement efforts, resulting in the arrest of more than 300 suspected illegal miners and the prosecution of over 150 suspects, including foreign nationals, while several illegal mining sites have been shut down across the country.

He added that the nationwide enforcement campaign is intended to ensure Nigeria’s mineral resources are exploited through lawful, transparent and responsible mining practices.

The minister also appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups and residents of mining communities to support the government’s efforts by reporting illegal mining activities and refusing to provide cover for those involved.