The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, has intercepted a truck carrying 36 tonnes of substance suspected to be lithium ore along the Jebba Expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin.
The state commandant, Abbas Nda-Mohammed, disclosed this to journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday, stating that the interception occurred around 10:00 p.m. on Friday.
He said the truck, marked DKA 990 XJ from Kaduna State, was stopped by operatives during an intelligence-led operation.
“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,” Mr Nda-Mohammed said.
According to the commandant, further investigations are ongoing to ascertain the actual source and ownership of the suspected lithium. He added that the command would ensure the identification of other persons connected to the transaction and determine the mining company involved.
Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the alleged criminality. They were apprehended by operatives of the Mines and Steel Unit attached to the command’s Special Patrol Team.
Mr Nda-Mohammed said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon the conclusion of investigations.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to safeguarding critical national assets, stressing that the command would intensify operations against illegal mining and other criminal activities across the state.
(NAN)