Illegal mining: EFCC nets truck drivers, seizes solid minerals in Kwara

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 10 persons suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities along the Ilorin-Ogbomosho corridor of Kwara State.

The anti-graft agency confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday via its official social media platforms, explaining that the operation followed credible intelligence on unlawful mining in parts of Kwara and neighbouring Oyo State.

According to the EFCC, the suspects were apprehended on Sunday, February 1, 2026, during a coordinated sting aimed at curbing the illegal extraction and movement of solid minerals.

“The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence on illegal mineral excavation and transportation along the Ilorin–Ogbomosho axis,” the commission stated.

It said those taken into custody included nine truck drivers and one escort, who were allegedly intercepted while conveying illegally mined minerals.
“The suspects, comprising nine truck drivers and one escort, were intercepted and taken into custody during the operation,” the statement added.

The EFCC disclosed that minerals recovered from the suspects included lithium, tin and lepidolite, noting that none of them possessed valid licences or regulatory approvals to mine or transport the materials.

“Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects had no requisite licences, permits or approvals to mine or transport the solid minerals recovered from them,” the agency said.

It further revealed that the trucks used to convey the minerals had been seized and are currently in the commission’s custody, adding that the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.