EFCC Arrests Ten Illegal Miners in Kwara!

EFCC Arrests Ten Illegal Miners in Kwara!

Reported by Mustapha Labake Omowumi | Sele Media Africa Journalist

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate, have arrested ten suspected illegal miners in Kwara State for their alleged involvement in the unlawful excavation and transportation of solid minerals.
According to an official statement issued by the anti-graft agency, the arrest operation took place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, along the Ilorin–Ogbomosho axis of Kwara State. The suspects — nine truck drivers and one escort — were intercepted during what the EFCC described as a well-coordinated sting operation based on credible intelligence on illegal mining activities in parts of Kwara and neighbouring Oyo State.
The EFCC disclosed that the intercepted vehicles were conveying a large haul of solid minerals, including lithium, tin, and lepidolite, all of which possess significant industrial and commercial value. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects lacked the required licences, permits, and regulatory authorisations to mine or transport the minerals under Nigerian mining laws.
In addition to the arrests, trucks laden with the illegally mined materials were seized and are currently in the custody of the Commission pending the conclusion of investigations.
The EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing and that the suspects will be charged to court upon completion of the probe.
Illegal mining continues to pose serious economic, environmental, and security challenges across Nigeria, prompting authorities to intensify enforcement actions against unregulated mineral exploitation.

CITATION:
1.PM News Nigeria https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/02/02/10-suspects-trucks-arrested-for-illegal-mining-in-kwara/

2.Punch Nigeria https://punchng.com/efcc-arrests-ten-illegal-miners-in-kwara/

3.SaharaReporters https://saharareporters.com/2026/02/02/efcc-arrests-10-suspects-over-illegal-mining-kwara-seizes-trucks-laden-minerals

4.AIT Live https://ait.live/efcc-arrests-10-suspects-seizes-trucks-over-illegal-mining-allegation/

About The Author

Mustapha Labake Omowumi

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Mustapha Labake Omowumi is a journalist from Ibadan, Oyo State, and a graduate of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Economics and Mathematics. He demonstrates a strong commitment to professional journalism, with a keen interest in writing and storytelling, guided by principles of self-discipline, accuracy, and trustworthiness.

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