The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has affirmed the arrest of more than 40 illegal miners and the seizure of 12 trucks loaded with lithium and other minerals in Kwara State.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by the Commander of Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC, Michael Nzekwe while speaking to newsmen in a video seen by SaharaReporters.
The EFCC Commander revealed that some of the suspects had confirmed working for some of the foreign nationals and the agency was working hard to ensure all those involved were eventually arrested.
He said, “We arrested about 12 trucks. And then the total number of suspects is over 40 suspects we have, investigation is ongoing. The truck had majorly lithium, and several others but majorly lithium.
“Of course, you know that lithium is the new oil right now. So the world is after it and that’s why you see some foreign nationals are behind these ones and other people. With what we have running into billions if you quantify, names have been named. So we are investigating.
“And then you know EFCC for who we are. We come after you anytime, any day once we have credible and enough intelligence and the case is strong enough, we call in who will need to call in to come and answer questions, Names have been named. A couple of them are working for some foreign nationals. They’re working for some other Nigerians you know and then we’re looking at all of that.”
Illegal mining activities have been a bane to Nigerian socio-economic growth and are also responsible for the surge in terrorist attacks in some parts of the country.
In January, the Oyo State Government blamed the Ibadan explosions on the stockpiling of explosives illegally gotten by miners living in the Bodija area of the town.
