…The EFCC also disclosed that trucks loaded with the illegally mined materials were seized during the operation,
KWARA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate, have arrested ten suspected illegal miners along the Ilorin–Ogbomosho axis of Kwara State.
The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement shared via its official social media handles on Monday, noting that the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence on unlawful mining activities in parts of Kwara and Oyo states.
According to the EFCC, the arrest was carried out on Sunday, during a well-coordinated sting operation targeting the illegal excavation and transportation of solid minerals in the area.
“The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence on illegal mineral excavation and transportation along the Ilorin–Ogbomosho axis,” the anti-graft agency stated.
EFCC added that those arrested comprised nine truck drivers and one escort, who were intercepted while allegedly conveying unlawfully mined solid minerals.
The statement reads, “The suspects, comprising nine truck drivers and one escort, were intercepted and taken into custody during the operation.”
The commission revealed that solid minerals recovered from the suspects included lithium, tin and lepidolite, stressing that none of the suspects possessed the required licences, permits or regulatory approvals to engage in mining activities.
The statement reads, “Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects had no requisite licences, permits or approvals to mine or transport the solid minerals recovered from them.”
The EFCC also disclosed that trucks loaded with the illegally mined materials were seized during the operation and are currently in the custody of the commission.
The agency added that the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Recall that in August 2025, operatives from the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the EFCC arrested 12 suspects operating illegal Bureau de Change businesses without proper licenses.
The arrests followed credible intelligence and meticulous surveillance.
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