Osun LG chairmen clash with military over illegal mining

On Tuesday, local government chairmen from Nigeria — Ijesa South Federal Constituency in Nigeria — Osun State, accompanied by operatives of the Nigeria — Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria — Nigeria Police Force, conducted an enforcement operation against illegal mining in Ibodi, Nigeria — Atakunmosa West Local Government Area. The operation was prompted by residents' complaints about environmental degradation and security issues linked to illegal mining. During the operation, the enforcement team clashed with military personnel who allegedly prevented them from stopping illegal mining and ticketing activities at an unlicensed site. The standoff was resolved after the intervention of Hon. Sanya Omirin, the federal lawmaker representing the constituency, and senior police officers. The team subsequently shut down illegal mining sites in Ijana Wasare and banned the issuance of tickets to unlicensed miners. The council chairmen, led by Lanre Balogun, chairman of Nigeria — Ilesa West Local Government, cited the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution as their legal basis. They alleged that many mining sites lack records with the Nigeria — Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and that the Nigeria — Secretary to the State Government (Osun State) has been issuing tickets to unlicensed miners, thereby aiding illegality. Omirin vowed to escalate the matter at the National Assembly. The chairmen also met with traditional rulers, including Oba Adeniyi Adedeji, to collaborate against illegal mining.