EFCC nabs 10 suspects, seizes trucks in crackdown on illegal mining in Kwara

Abdullateef Fowewe

Operatives from the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have arrested ten suspects on Sunday, February 1, 2026, for alleged illegal mining along the Ilorin-Ogbomosho axis.

The sting operation targeted unlawful mineral excavation and transportation across parts of Kwara and Oyo States, based on credible intelligence.

The suspects include nine truck drivers and one escort, all lacking requisite licenses, permits, or regulatory approvals.

In a statement released Monday, the EFCC detailed the haul, “Solid minerals arrested with the suspects include lithium, tin, and lepidolite,” along with trucks loaded with the unlawfully mined materials.

The commission affirmed its resolve to combat resource theft, stating, “The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”