The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State has taken decisive action against illegal mining in the region. On Friday, operatives of the NSCDC stormed an illegal mining site in the Sambisa area of Kajola, Atakumosa-West Local Government Area, destroying equipment and arresting suspects.
The operation was led by the State Commandant of the NSCDC, CC Igbalawole Sotiyo. In a statement released on Saturday, the Corps’ spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, noted that the raid was the result of extensive intelligence gathering and surveillance.
During the operation, some illegal miners managed to escape upon sighting the security operatives, abandoning their tools. However, a number of suspects were apprehended at the scene. The officers also seized and destroyed various mining equipment, including a dragline and a pumping machine.
Sotiyo stated that those arrested confessed to operating without proper licenses or authorization. “The suspect arrested during the operation will be charged to court, though some of them fled the scene abandoning their equipment, but I assure members of the public that we will soon arrest them to face the consequences of their actions,” he said.
He further warned that the NSCDC would continue its crackdown on illegal mining activities in Osun, stressing the importance of protecting the country’s solid mineral resources. He urged those involved in unauthorized mining to stop immediately, noting that the Corps is committed to enforcing the law.
