EFCC arrests 10 over alleged illegal mining in Kwara

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 10 suspects over alleged illegal mining activities in the Ilorin–Ogbomosho axis of Kwara State.

The suspects were arrested on Sunday by operatives of the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Directorate following what the agency described as credible intelligence on unlawful mineral excavation and transportation across parts of Kwara and neighbouring Oyo State.

In a statement on Monday, the anti-graft agency said the suspects comprised nine truck drivers and one escort intercepted during a sting operation. “The suspects were arrested in possession of solid minerals including lithium, tin, and lepidolite, without the requisite licences, permits, or regulatory approvals,” the EFCC said.

The commission added that trucks loaded with the suspected illegally mined minerals were recovered during the operation. “Preliminary investigations showed that none of the suspects could present documents authorising them to mine, possess, or transport the solid minerals,” the statement said, noting that the suspects would be charged in court after investigations are concluded.

Crackdown amid rising illegal mining cases

The latest arrests come amid intensified enforcement against illegal mining activities in Kwara State. On 21 January, PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin sentenced a 52-year-old man, Ilori Elicanah, to five years’ imprisonment for mining and possessing solid minerals without lawful authority.

In that case, the court found that Mr Elicanah mined and transported tonnes of minerals without a licence, in violation of the Miscellaneous Offences Act. The EFCC, which prosecuted the case, said the conviction underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to curb illegal exploitation of mineral resources.

The EFCC has repeatedly described illegal mining as a form of economic sabotage. In the January judgment, the trial judge, Abimbola Awogboro, held that “there is no record showing payment of royalties to the Federal Government as stipulated by law,” a key requirement under the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act, 2007.

Lithium boom, revenue losses

Data review by PREMIUM TIMES shows that the arrests in Kwara are unfolding against the backdrop of a renewed national focus on solid minerals, particularly critical minerals such as lithium. Since late 2023, Nigeria has attracted over $ 1.3 billion in investments in lithium processing, even as illegal mining continues to undermine the sector.

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Despite this renewed interest, mining contributes less than one per cent to Nigeria’s gross domestic product, far below government targets. Analysts estimate that illegal mining, smuggling, and weak regulatory oversight cost the country between $2 billion and $9 billion annually in lost revenue.

Environmental and security concerns

Beyond revenue losses, unregulated mining has been linked to severe environmental degradation and security risks. Studies in several mining states have documented water and soil contamination from toxic metals, while abandoned mine sites have contributed to deforestation and loss of farmland.

Security experts have also warned that proceeds from illegal mining have helped finance criminal networks in parts of the country. In Zamfara and neighbouring states, authorities have linked some bandit groups to illicit mineral exploitation, a pattern that has raised concerns about similar risks emerging in North Central states like Kwara.

The EFCC said its latest operation was part of ongoing efforts to support federal reforms aimed at formalising artisanal mining and strengthening oversight. “The commission remains committed to working with relevant agencies to curb illegal mining and ensure that solid mineral resources are exploited in line with the law,” the agency said.

Photo: The arrested suspects and a truckload of lithium, tin, and lepidolite, along the Ilorin–Ogbomosho axis of Kwara State.