FG Shuts Down Illegal Sand Dredging Firm in Ogun State

The Federal Government has taken decisive action by shutting down Ojibas Nigeria Limited, a sand dredging and mining firm operating unlawfully in Ilate-Etido Community, Obafemi/Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Officials from the Mining Inspectorate Department, under the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals and Development, closed the firm on Tuesday for flouting mining regulations. The company, owned by a local businessman from Osun State, had its sand mining license revoked by the Nigeria Mining Cadastral Office in Abuja on August 12, 2022, as published in the official gazette.

Despite the license revocation, Ojibas Nigeria Limited reportedly continued operations illegally, using police and military personnel for security. However, a joint operation conducted on May 28, 2024, by soldiers from the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala, Abeokuta, and police officers from Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, successfully raided the company’s premises.

During the raid, several individuals involved in illegal sand mining, including police and military personnel aiding the operations and a Chinese national, were apprehended and taken for questioning.

The local community, long affected by the unauthorized dredging, had previously protested against the firm, citing damage to agricultural lands and environmental degradation.

Chief Shamsideen Ajibawo, the Community Head of Ilate-Etido, expressed relief at the closure, noting persistent efforts to bring attention to the firm’s illegal activities. He highlighted the community’s jubilation following the intervention of security forces to apprehend those responsible for the unlawful mining activities.