The Osun State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has dismantled an illegal mining site in the Sambisa area of Kajola, Atakumosa West LGA, Osun State.
The operation according to a statement by Adeleke Kehinde, the Osun NSCDC spokesperson, was carried out on Friday, January 31, 2025, by operatives of the Command led by the state commandant, Igbalawole Sotiyo.
Speaking during the operation, Sotiyo said the destruction of the mine site is aimed at curbing the menace of illegal mining in Osun State.
He said, “The illegal mining site at Sambisa Area, Kajola, Atakumosa west local government, Osun State, was discovered through intelligence gathering and surveillance.
“The suspects confessed to not having the necessary license or authorization to conduct operations in line with the law of the land.”
While warning that NSCDC would continue to crack down on illegal mining activities in the state, Sotiyo maintained that it is the statutory responsibility of NSCDC to protect the country’s solid mineral resources and urged those involved to desist from the act.
The Osun NSCDC boss also made it known that some of the mining tools found on the river were burnt during the operation.
“The items destroyed were dragline, pumping machines and other equipment used for their illegal mining activities.
“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,” Sotiyo added.
The commandant also urged members of the public to provide information about any illegal mining activities in their environment to make the state safe for all and to put an end to environmental degradation and economic sabotage.
