TheCable

Ten Chinese nationals and a Ghanaian have been arrested for illegal mining in Osun state.

They were arrested by officials of the joint task force (JTF) and Amotekun corps on Monday during a raid on mining sites in some communities in Atakumosa west local government area of the state.

Residents of the area who noticed the activities of the illegal miners were said to have tipped off the security operatives.

Confirming the development on Tuesday, Amitolu Shittu, director-general of Amotekun corps in Osun, said the mining sites have been shut down.

“10 China and one Ghana nationals were arrested,” he said.

“The success recorded is as a result of the resolve of Governor Oyetola to rid the state of economic saboteurs.”

On May 4, the Osun government announced the arrest of 27 persons for illegal mining, and said 17 out of those arrested were Chinese nationals.

Olamilekan Adegbite, minister of mines and steel development, later said some influential Nigerians have been putting pressure on the federal government to free Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining.