The operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended eleven individuals and impounded eight truckloads of assorted minerals in Ilorin, Kwara State, at an illegal mine.
The arrests and seizures were made following a operation aimed at curbing illicit mining operations in the area.
The suspects, identified as Qudus Olalere, Hakeem Saka, Abdulwasiu Hannafi, Ahmad Muktar, Sulaiman Ibrahim Jamiu Mustapha, Rabiu Musa, Aisha Muham, Ibrahim Gambo, Babatunde Hakeem and Ibrahim Muhammad were apprehended on Wednesday, May 5, 2024.
The arrests came as a result of credible intelligence gathered by EFCC operatives, leading to coordinated raids at various locations in Ogbomosho, Oyo State.
The suspects were intercepted while in possession of assorted solid minerals, including marble stone, white powder, lithium, and lepidolite.
The minerals were being transported in eight truckloads to undisclosed destinations without lawful authority, raising suspicions of their involvement in illegal mining activities.
Following their arrest, the suspects are currently undergoing interrogation by EFCC officials as part of ongoing investigations into their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities.
Recently, illegal mining has emerged as a significant challenge in various parts of Nigeria, with criminal networks exploiting natural resources for personal gain at the expense of local communities and the environment.
