The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three men over alleged illegal mining and unlawful transportation of suspected solid minerals in Ilorin, the state capital.
The suspects, identified as Musa Abdullahi, 45; Aliyu Ibrahim, 20; and Ishaq Ibrahim, 51, were arrested during a late-night intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Mines and Steel Unit attached to the command’s Special Patrol Team.
Speaking at the NSCDC headquarters in Ilorin on Tuesday, the State Commandant, Abbas Mohammed, said the suspects, all from Keffi in Nasarawa State, were apprehended on Friday, May 22, 2026, at about 10 p.m. along the Jebba Expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin.
Mohammed said operatives intercepted a truck with registration number DKA 990 XJ, Kaduna, loaded with about 36 tonnes of substances suspected to be lithium ore.
According to him, preliminary investigations showed that the suspects could not provide mining licences, waybills or any legal documents authorising possession and transportation of the mineral resources.
“This briefing is to officially inform the public of a significant operational breakthrough recorded by the command in its sustained fight against illegal mining activities, economic sabotage and the unlawful exploitation of the nation’s solid mineral resources,” Mohammed said.
He added that investigations were ongoing to determine the source and ownership of the suspected minerals, identify other individuals linked to the operation and establish the company involved.
The commandant said the suspects would be prosecuted in line with the law after investigations are concluded.
Mohammed reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and tackling illegal mining activities and other criminal operations across Kwara State.
