Civil Defence Arrests 3 Suspected Illegal Miners, Intercepts 36 Tonnes Of Lithium

The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspected illegal miners for transporting solid minerals believed to be lithium ore without valid documents.

The suspects – Musa Abdullahi, 45, Aliyu Ibrahim, 20, and Ishaq Ibrahim, 51, all from Keffi in Nasarawa State, were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Mines and Steel Unit attached to the Command’s Special Patrol Team.

The state commandant of NSCDC, Abbas Nda Mohammed, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Ilorin, the state capital.

He said the operation formed part of the corps’ renewed crackdown on illegal mining and economic sabotage in the state.

The suspects were arrested at about 10 p.m. on Friday on the Jebba Expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin.

Abbas disclosed that his men intercepted a truck bearing registration number DKA 990 XJ, Kaduna State, conveying about 36 tonnes of substances suspected to be lithium ore.

He added that preliminary investigations showed that the suspects failed to provide valid mining licences, waybills or any legal documents authorising the possession and transportation of the mineral resources.

He said that investigations were ongoing to ascertain the actual source and ownership of the minerals, identify other persons connected to the transaction and determine the mining company involved.

“The suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon conclusion of the investigation,” he stated.

Abbas reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to safeguarding critical national assets, stressing that the command would intensify operations against illegal mining and other criminal activities across the state.