The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State Command, has intercepted a truck loaded with 36 tonnes of suspected lithium ore along the Jebba Expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin.
State Commandant, Abbas Nda-Mohammed, disclosed on Tuesday that the truck, marked DKA 990 XJ, Kaduna State, was intercepted during an intelligence-led operation around 10pm on Friday.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects failed to produce valid mining licences, waybills or legal documents authorising the possession and transportation of the mineral resources.
The commandant said three suspects were arrested in connection with the alleged illegal mining activity.
“They were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Mines and Steel Unit attached to the command’s Special Patrol Team,” he said.
Nda-Mohammed added that investigations were ongoing to determine the source and ownership of the suspected lithium as well as identify other persons and companies linked to the transaction.
He assured that the suspects would be prosecuted after investigations are concluded.
The NSCDC boss reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to protecting national assets and intensifying operations against illegal mining and other criminal activities in the state.
