Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 10 individuals over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Kwara State.
The suspects were apprehended along the Ilorin–Ogbomosho highway following actionable intelligence on unlawful excavation and transportation of solid minerals. According to the commission, those arrested include nine truck drivers and one escort.
In a statement, Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at EFCC, said the suspects were intercepted during a “well-coordinated” operation and taken into custody for further investigation.
Recovered minerals from the suspects included lithium, tin, and lepidolite. The EFCC noted that the suspects could not produce valid licences, permits, or regulatory approvals to justify their mining and transportation activities. Trucks conveying the suspected illegally mined minerals were also impounded.
The commission added that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
