The federal government has shut down illegal gold-mining operations at Ileki-Ijesa in Osun State.
Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, the joint task force set up by the ministry, working with security agencies arrested two suspects on-site, seized their equipment and sealed the area.
He revealed that suspects are currently cooperating with investigators to help us track down the financiers backing these operations.
Akaje in a post on his verified X account on Monday clarified that the focus wasn’t on the casual workers on the ground alone, saying the government would actively go after the sponsor.
Alake added: “I want to be clear that our focus isn’t just on the casual workers on the ground. We are actively going after the sponsors and quiet backers of these illicit activities.
“Through the work of our Mining Marshals, we have already arrested over 300 illegal miners and prosecuted more than 150 of them, including foreign nationals.
“Illegal mining destroys local farmland, pollutes our waters and invites insecurity into peaceful communities. The government cannot police every stretch of land alone. If you live in these areas, I urge you to work with us. Do not shield these operators.
“We are committed to making sure Nigeria’s mineral wealth actually benefits Nigerians and we will keep putting the pressure on until the sector is completely orderly and sanitised.”