The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has intercepted a truck carrying 36 tonnes of lithium along the Jebba Expressway, Okolowo Area of Ilorin.

The NSCDC State Commandant, Abbas Nda-Mohammed, disclosed this to journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday. The commandant stated that the interception occurred around 10pm on Friday.

"A truck vehicle, marked DKA 990 XJ, Kaduna State, conveying about 36 tonnes of substances, suspected to be lithium ore, was intercepted by the corps.

"Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects failed to provide valid mining licences, waybills or any legal documents authorising the possession and transportation of the mineral resources," he said.

According to Nda-Mohammed, further investigations are ongoing to ascertain the actual source and ownership of the suspected lithium mineral.

He stated that the command would ensure the identification of other persons connected to the transaction and determine the mining company involved.

The commandant said that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the alleged criminality. "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 stated that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon the conclusion of investigations.

He reaffirmed the corps' commitment to safeguarding critical national assets, stressing that the command would intensify operations against illegal mining and other criminal activities across the state.