The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has apprehended three individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities and transporting solid minerals without proper authorisation.
The suspects, identified as Musa Abdullahi, Aliyu Ibrahim and Ishaq Ibrahim, were arrested during a late-night operation carried out by officers of the Mines and Steel Unit attached to the command’s Special Patrol Team.
Speaking at the NSCDC headquarters in Ilorin on Tuesday, the state Commandant, Abbas Mohammed, said the men, who are from Keffi in Nasarawa State, were intercepted on May 22 along the Jebba Expressway in the Okolowo area of the state capital.
According to him, operatives stopped a truck with registration number DKA 990 XJ, Kaduna, conveying about 36 tonnes of a substance suspected to be lithium ore.
Initial investigations revealed that the suspects could not provide mining licences, waybills or any documentation permitting the possession or movement of the mineral.
“This briefing is to officially inform the public of a significant operational breakthrough recorded by the Command in its sustained fight against illegal mining activities, economic sabotage, and the unlawful exploitation of the nation’s solid mineral resources,” he said.
Mohammed disclosed that further investigations were underway to determine the origin of the minerals, identify their owners and uncover other individuals or organisations connected to the operation.
He added that the suspects would face prosecution once investigations are concluded.
The commandant also reiterated the NSCDC’s resolve to protect the country’s mineral resources and continue its clampdown on illegal mining and related crimes across the state.
