By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Osun State Command, has destroyed an illegal mining site in the Sambisa area of Kajola in Atakumosa-West local government area of Osun State.

A statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Kehinde Adeleke, on Saturday disclosed that a raid was conducted on Friday and was led by the State Commandant of the Corps, CC Igbalawole Sotiyo.

The site was discovered through thorough intelligence gathering and surveillance aimed at tackling illegal mining in the state.

She added that some of the illegal miners fled the scene on sighting operatives, abandoning their working tools; others were nabbed at the scene.

The tools, which include a dragline, a pumping machine, and other equipment used for mining, were burnt at the site.

“The suspects confessed to not having the necessary license or authorisation to conduct operations in line with the law of the land.

“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 said.

He also warned that NSCDC would continue to crack down on illegal mining activities in the state, emphasising 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.