Seven trucks of illegal lithium seized in Kwara
Screenshot
Abdullateef Fowewe
Authorities have smashed a major illegal lithium smuggling operation, intercepting seven trucks loaded with lithium ore en route from Oyo State to Kwara.
In a coordinated raid by the Ministry of Solid Minerals’ Southwest Zonal Office and the Department of State Services (DSS) Kwara Command, the convoy was stopped Friday based on solid intelligence.
The trucks originated from Saki in Oyo State, heading toward Ilọrin in Kwara.
The Ministry’s official statement declared, “Lithium Heist Busted! 7 trucks carrying illegal lithium ore intercepted in a coordinated operation by the Ministry’s SW Zonal Office & DSS Kwara. The The convoy, moving from Saki, Oyo —Ilorin, Kwara, was acting on intel.”
Drivers confessed to being hired for the job, and investigators recovered key documents linking back to unauthorised mine sites.
This bust underscores the escalating crackdown on resource theft.
“Minister Dr Dele Alake’s zero-tolerance directive is clear: Illegal mining will not be tolerated,” the statement emphasized, quoting drivers’ admissions and recovered evidence.
The operation highlights ongoing efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s critical minerals amid global demand for lithium in batteries and tech.
