EFCC Intercepts Lithium Convoy: 10 Arrested in Kwara Illegal Mining Sting

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dealt a significant blow to the illicit mineral trade in Nigeria’s North Central region.

Operatives from the Ilorin Zonal Directorate arrested ten suspects and seized a fleet of trucks loaded with high-value solid minerals during a tactical operation on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The interception occurred along the strategic Ilorin–Ogbomosho axis, a known corridor for transporting minerals from excavation sites in Kwara and Oyo States toward southern ports. Acting on “credible intelligence,” the anti-graft agency moved against a convoy that lacked any of the federal permits required for the extraction or movement of regulated resources.

The Seizure: Critical Minerals in Focus

The suspects, consisting of nine truck drivers and one escort, were caught in possession of industrial quantities of lithium, tin, and lepidolite. Lithium, in particular, has become a primary target for illegal syndicates due to its global status as “white gold”—a critical component in the production of electric vehicle (EV) batteries and renewable energy storage.

The EFCC confirmed that the suspects failed to produce:

• Mining Leases/Licences from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

• Mineral Titles or valid transport permits.

• Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) clearances for the excavation sites.

Economic and Environmental Toll

The arrests highlight a persistent drainage of Nigeria’s national wealth. The Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) has frequently warned that while the country remains focused on crude oil, its solid mineral sector is being hollowed out by unregulated actors.

Recent industry data suggests that Nigeria loses billions of naira daily to mineral theft. Beyond the financial loss, illegal mining often involves hazardous labor practices and leaves behind “dead zones”—areas where the soil is too toxic for agriculture and water sources are contaminated with heavy metals.

The EFCC has stated that investigations are ongoing to uncover the broader network behind the intercepted convoy.

The ten suspects remain in custody in Ilorin and are expected to be arraigned in the Federal High Court once the preliminary probe is finalized.