Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, in collaboration with the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency and security operatives, has arrested five suspects and impounded a trailer loaded with laterite and gravel following a joint enforcement operation at Akufo Farm Settlement in Ido Local Government Area. The operation, which took place on Thursday, September 3, 2026, was prompted by reports of unauthorised excavation and removal of laterite and gravel from agricultural land under the management of OYSADA.
Upon arrival at the settlement, the enforcement team intercepted a trailer fully loaded with laterite and gravel as it was leaving the area. The vehicle was immediately stopped and impounded, and five suspects allegedly connected to the excavation activities were arrested. During an inspection of the area, the team discovered multiple points of suspected illegal excavation, with some located within existing plantations. The scale of the excavation showed significant impact on the agricultural land, with a cassava plantation where mature cassava crops reportedly ready for harvest had been destroyed and left to waste as a result of the excavation.
The team also impounded an excavator believed to have been used for the excavation and loading of laterite and gravel. The operator was not found at the scene, but freshly prepared food and other personal belongings were found around the abandoned equipment, suggesting that the operator may have fled shortly before or upon sighting the enforcement team. According to one of the farmers in the settlement, no fewer than 50 trailer-loads of laterite and gravel were allegedly being excavated and removed from the farm daily, raising concerns about the scale of the activities and their potential impact on agricultural development.
The authorities stressed that unauthorised excavation and removal of laterite and gravel from government agricultural land is unlawful and constitutes a serious threat to the proper utilisation, preservation, and development of the farm settlement. The five suspects, whose identities are being withheld, have been detained at the Amotekun Corps Divisional Headquarters in Ido Local Government Area, pending further investigation and their subsequent arraignment before a court of competent jurisdiction.
OYRLEA and OYSADA have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting government agricultural assets, enforcing compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and preventing activities capable of undermining the state's agricultural development initiatives. The enforcement action marks a significant step in the state's efforts to combat illegal sand excavation, which has become a major threat to agricultural land and food security in Oyo State.
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