The Oyo State Government has arrested five individuals over alleged illegal excavation of sand, laterite and gravel at the Akufo Farm Settlement in Ido Local Government Area.

The arrests were made during a joint enforcement operation involving the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and security operatives.

Authorities said the operation followed reports of unauthorised excavation activities on agricultural land managed by OYSADA.

During the exercise, enforcement officers intercepted and impounded a trailer loaded with excavated materials while five suspects believed to be connected to the operation were taken into custody.

An inspection of the site reportedly revealed several excavation points within the farm settlement, including areas occupied by existing plantations. Officials said the activities had caused significant damage to agricultural land and destroyed mature cassava crops that were ready for harvest.

The enforcement team also impounded an excavator allegedly used in the operation. However, its operator was not found at the scene and is believed to have fled before the arrival of authorities.

State officials expressed concern over the scale of the excavation, with reports indicating that large quantities of laterite and gravel were being removed from the settlement daily.

The government described the unauthorised excavation as a threat to agricultural development and food security, stressing that government-owned farm settlements must be protected from activities capable of undermining their purpose.

The suspects are being detained pending further investigation and possible prosecution, while authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding public agricultural assets and enforcing environmental and land-use regulations.