22nd November, 2023
The Benue Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has intercepted nine trucks loaded with limonite and lithium.
The State Commandant, Mr Yakubu Ibrahim disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing newsmen in Makurdi.
Ibrahim said one of the trucks with registration number, Ogun JGB 344 XB, white in colour loaded with limonite was intercepted at Jato-Aka in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue on Oct 10.
He said that limonite is the most important ore of titanium used in the production of paints, printing inks, fabrics, plastics, papers, sunscreen, food and cosmetics.
Ibrahim said that eight trucks, all with Lagos registration numbers were intercepted on Nov. 19 at Apa Oweto road in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue.
The Commandant said that no suspect had been arrested in connection with the crime yet.
He said that the drivers and other passengers in the trucks took to their heels on sighting his men.
He said that an investigation was ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
“Everyone knows that the state frowns seriously at any case of illegal mining and economic sabotage.
“There will be no hiding place for those who committed these crimes,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the command also presented seven suspects with various crimes to newsmen.
The Commandant said that one of the suspects, Jacob Apav has been on the wanted list of the state government submitted to the Command on Oct 6.
Apav who was arrested on Nov. 9 at Kwande Local Government Area, was charged with criminal conspiracy, armed robbery, cattle rustling, theft and being in possession of stolen items.
Other suspects were Peter Kpandev, Godwin Sarwuan, Monday Nwoba, Jude Ugoh, Kenneth Njoku and Francis Nnabu.
All the suspects were said to have been arrested on different days at different locations with various crimes.