The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled an illegal mining site in the Kajola community, Atakumosa West Local Government Area of Osun State, and arrested one suspect, while others fled upon sighting security operatives.
The command disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, signed by its Public Relations Officer, Kehinde Adeleke. According to the statement, the operation was carried out on Friday under the leadership of the Osun NSCDC Commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo.
Speaking after the raid, Sotiyo said, “This illegal mining site at Sambisa Area, Kajola, Atakumosa West Local Government, Osun State was discovered through intelligence gathering and surveillance.
“This move is aimed at curbing the menace of illegal mining in Osun State. The suspect confessed to not having the necessary license or authorization to conduct operations in line with the law of the land.
“The suspect arrested during the operation will be charged in 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 action.
“Some of their mining tools found in the river were burnt during the operation. The items destroyed were dragline, pumping machines and other equipment used for illegal mining activities.”
Sotiyo reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to cracking down on illegal mining in Osun State, emphasizing that protecting the country’s mineral resources is a key responsibility of the corps.
The command also urged the public to report illegal mining activities to help safeguard the environment and prevent economic sabotage.
