EFCC Nabs 8, Impounds 6 Trucks in Kwara Illegal Mining Crackdown

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC operatives in Ilorin have arrested eight suspects and impounded six trucks for illegal mining along the Ilorin–Ogbomoso axis. 

This operation brings the total number of mining-related arrests in the zone to 18 within a single month.

The arrests occurred Saturday following intelligence-led surveillance on unlawful excavation sites in Kwara and Oyo states. The intercepted trucks were transporting large quantities of assorted minerals, specifically suspected to be lithium and kaolin.

The suspects reportedly lacked the necessary licenses, permits, or regulatory approvals to excavate or transport minerals. Such unlicensed activities deprive the government of revenue and cause significant, unregulated environmental damage to the local landscape.

The Commission noted that the suspects will be charged to court once preliminary investigations are finished.

Efforts are also underway to track the primary financiers who organize and fund these illicit mineral supply chains.

This crackdown is part of a wider federal mandate to sanitize Nigeria’s mining sector and protect natural resources.

By enforcing stricter oversight, the EFCC aims to ensure the mining industry contributes legally to national economic growth.

The agency continues to urge citizens to report suspicious mining activities to help secure the nation’s wealth. Regarding the legal process, Spokesman Dele Oyewale stated, “The suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the ongoing investigations.”