Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three men for alleged illegal mining and unlawful transportation of solid minerals following an intelligence-led operation that led to the seizure of a truck carrying about 36 tonnes of substances suspected to be lithium ore. The suspects, identified as Musa Abdullahi, 45; Aliyu Ibrahim, 20; and Ishaq Ibrahim, 51, were apprehended around 10 pm on Friday, May 22, 2026, along the Jebba Expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin, the state capital. Addressing journalists at the NSCDC headquarters in Ilorin on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, the state Commandant, Abbas Mohammed, said the suspects, all indigenes of Keffi in Nasarawa State, were intercepted while transporting the suspected mineral in a truck with registration number DKA 990 XJ, a vehicle registered in Kaduna State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects failed to produce valid mining licences, waybills or any legal documents authorising the possession and transportation of the mineral resources. The operation was carried out by operatives of the Mines and Steel Unit attached to the command’s Special Patrol Team, who acted on credible intelligence about the movement of illegally mined lithium ore through the state. “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,” Mohammed said. The NSCDC boss disclosed that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the actual source and ownership of the suspected minerals, identify other persons connected to the transaction, and determine the mining company involved. He added that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law after the investigation concludes.
The arrest of the three suspects is part of a renewed crackdown on illegal mining and economic sabotage in Kwara State, following the appointment of Abbas Nda Mohammed as the new state commandant in April 2026. Since assuming office, Mohammed has issued a stern warning to criminal elements, vandals, and economic saboteurs, declaring that the state would no longer be conducive for unlawful activities. The command has been intensifying operations against illegal mining and other criminal activities across the state. The seizure of the truck and the 36 tonnes of lithium ore is a significant blow to the illegal mining network operating in the region, as lithium is a critical mineral used in the production of batteries for electric vehicles and other high-tech devices. The rising global demand for lithium has led to an increase in illegal mining activities in Nigeria, particularly in the northern and southwestern parts of the country. The Federal Government has been working to curb the illicit trade, with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and security agencies conducting joint operations to intercept illegal shipments and arrest those involved.
The NSCDC has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and protecting the nation’s mineral resources from illegal exploitation. Mohammed stressed that the command would sustain its operations against illegal mining and other criminal activities across Kwara State, and warned that anyone caught engaging in such activities would face the full wrath of the law. The suspects are currently in custody, and efforts are underway to uncover the entire network behind the illegal mining operation. The command has urged members of the public to provide credible information that could help in the fight against illegal mining and other economic crimes.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments