NSCDC arrests three suspected illegal miners in Kwara.

Three men suspected of illegally transporting solid minerals, believed to be lithium ore, were detained by the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

During a briefing to the press on Tuesday, Abbas Nda Mohammed, the state commandant of NSCDC, identified the suspects as Musa Abdullahi, 45, Aliyu Ibrahim, 20, and Ishaq Ibrahim, 51. All three are from Keffi in Nasarawa State. He said the arrests were the result of an intelligence‑driven operation conducted by the Mines and Steel Unit of the Command’s Special Patrol Team.

“The operation formed part of the corps’ renewed crackdown on illegal mining and economic sabotage in the state,” Abbas said.

The suspects were apprehended on the Jebba Expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin at about 10 p.m. on Friday. The team intercepted a truck registered DKA 990 XJ from Kaduna State that was carrying approximately 36 tonnes of material suspected to be lithium ore.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects did not possess valid mining licences, waybills, or any legal documents authorising the possession or transport of the minerals. Abbas said that investigators are still working to determine the true source and ownership of the materials, identify other individuals involved in the transaction, and find out which mining company is connected to the case. He assured that the suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the law once the investigation is complete.

Abbas reiterated the corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and announced that the command will intensify operations against illegal mining and other criminal activities across the state.