The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) in Ilorin, Kwara State, have arrested three trucks laden with assorted solid minerals mined without license.

The operatives also arrested five persons for allegedly being in possession of the materials.

They are Dauda Suleiman, Quadri Oladimeji, Abubakar Alhassan, Anas Sanusi, and Auwal Garba. The suspects are truck drivers, except Quadri Oladimeji and Auwal Garba, who are truck boys.

Spokesperson of the EFCC Dele Oyewale said 'their arrest, which was effected along Maraba road, Ilorin, and Ogbomosho, Oyo State, between March 21 and 22, followed credible intelligence and days of surveillance.

He added: “The suspects were arrested while conveying solid minerals suspected to be marble stone, white powder, lithium, and lepidolite to Shagamu and Alakija in Ogun and Lagos state for commercial purposes without license.

“They claim to be hired. This latest arrest brings to 46 the number of persons arrested, and 15 vehicles seized in the last one month over similar offences. The suspects will be arraigned in court after investigations.”

The command, on February 5, arrested 41 persons over suspected illegal mining and impounded 12 truckloads of assorted minerals mined without license.