The federal government has arrested two suspected illegal miners during an enforcement operation at an illegal mining site in Osun State.

The operation was part of its intensified crackdown on illegal mining activities in the country.

According to a statement on Sunday by Lara Owoeye-Wise, special assistant on Media to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, the operation was carried out by officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development from its Ogun, Oyo and Osun state offices, in collaboration with security agencies.

The operation targeted illegal artisanal mining camps at Ileki-Ijesa, along the Ile-Ife/Ilesa Road, following a tip-off received by the Solid Minerals Task Force.

The statement said some suspects fled into nearby bushes after sighting the joint task team, while two suspects were arrested. Mining equipment and other tools used for the illegal activities were also confiscated.

The enforcement team subsequently dismantled the major operational bases established by the illegal miners.

Items recovered from the site included two motorcycles, pumping machines, Lister generators, washing equipment, large hose pipes, gold-trapping carpets, cutlasses and other mining implements.

The Illegal mining site has since been sealed in accordance with the law.

Speaking during the operation, the Southwest Zonal Mines Officer, Mr Ajibade Ganiyu, who led the enforcement exercise, said the operation was part of the federal government’s sustained efforts to enforce compliance with the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, protect the environment, safeguard lives and preserve the nation’s mineral resources. (LEADERSHIP)