The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its clampdown on illegal mining activities with the arrest of 10 suspects and the seizure of several trucks conveying solid minerals along the Ilorin–Ogbomosho corridor in Kwara State.
The suspects, made up of nine truck drivers and an escort, were arrested on Sunday, February 1, 2026, by operatives of the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Directorate.
The arrests and seizures followed intelligence reports on the unlawful excavation and movement of minerals across parts of Kwara and neighbouring Oyo State.
According to the anti-graft agency, the operation was carried out in a coordinated sting that led to the interception of trucks loaded with solid minerals suspected to have been illegally mined.
Items recovered include lithium, tin and lepidolite.
Confirming the development, EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects lacked the necessary licences and regulatory approvals to engage in mining or transportation of the minerals.
“The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence on illegal mining activities in the area.
“They could not provide any valid permits or authorisation for the minerals found in their possession,” Oyewale stated.
He added that the trucks used in conveying the minerals were also impounded as part of exhibits for investigation.
Oyewale noted that the EFCC remains committed to supporting government efforts to sanitise the solid minerals sector and curb economic sabotage linked to illegal mining.
“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” he said.
Illegal mining has continued to pose economic, environmental and security challenges in several parts of the country, with authorities warning that the sector will no longer be left unregulated.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
