According to a news report from Punch, operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested eighteen suspects for offences related to illegal mining activities.

Thirteen truckloads containing assorted solid minerals suspected to be lithium, marble stone, white powder, and lepidolite, among others, were also seized from the suspects.

The suspects are: Saidu Madugu, Adamu Amadu, Lawal Ibrahim, Mohammed Mustapha, Abdulkarim Hassaini, Isiaka Abubakar, Shafiu Salisu, Abdullahi Yanda Isa, Bashiru Mohammed, Anas Saidu, Asa Bature, Abudu Sani, Jabir Salisu, Bello Muhammed, Habilu Idris, Fatai Abdullai, Isyiaka Hamidu, and Oseni Lukman.

All suspects were arrested on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, except for Fatai, Isyiaka, and Oseni, who were apprehended on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

The arrests followed credible intelligence regarding suspects transporting illegally mined solid minerals along the Eiyenkorin-Ballah route in Asa Local Government of Kwara State without lawful authority.

The arrest of the suspects and the interception of the trucks were carried out in collaboration with the patrol team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Kwara Area Command, along Eiyenkorin and Ballah area in Asa Local Government of Kwara State.

Previously, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the Ilorin Zonal Directorate had arrested eleven suspects and impounded eight trucks for similar offences.

Authorities have stated that the suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.