Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have apprehended 10 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities along the Ilorin–Ogbomosho area of Kwara State.
The anti-graft agency confirmed the arrests in a statement shared on its official social media platforms on Monday, saying the operation followed credible intelligence on unlawful mining in parts of Kwara and Oyo states.
The suspects were arrested on Sunday, February 1, 2026, during a coordinated sting operation targeting the illicit excavation and transportation of solid minerals.
“The suspects were arrested following actionable intelligence on illegal mineral excavation and transportation along the Ilorin–Ogbomosho axis,” the EFCC stated.
The agency noted that those apprehended included nine truck drivers and one escort, who were intercepted while allegedly transporting unlawfully mined solid minerals.
“The suspects, comprising nine truck drivers and one escort, were intercepted and taken into custody during the operation,” the statement added.
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Recovered from the suspects were solid minerals such as lithium, tin, and lepidolite. The EFCC stressed that none of the individuals had the necessary licences, permits, or regulatory approvals to conduct mining activities.
“Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects had no requisite licences, permits or approvals to mine or transport the solid minerals recovered from them,” the commission said.
Trucks loaded with the illegally mined materials were also seized during the operation and are now in the custody of the EFCC. The agency confirmed that the suspects would be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations.