The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara State Command, says it has intercepted a truck with 36 tonnes of lithium along the Jebba Expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin, with three suspects arrested in connection with the alleged criminality. The state commandant, Abbas Nda Mohammed, disclosed this to newsmen in Ilorin on Tuesday.
According to him, the interception took place around 10 pm on Friday when a truck was intercepted by the corps. Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects failed to provide valid mining licences, waybills or any legal documents authorising the possession and transportation of the mineral resources. The suspects were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Mines and Steel Unit attached to the command’s Special Patrol Team.
Nda Mohammed said further investigations are ongoing to ascertain the actual source and ownership of the suspected lithium mineral, and that the command would ensure the identification of other persons connected to the transaction and determine the mining company involved. He said the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law upon the conclusion of investigations.
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The commandant reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to safeguarding critical national assets, stressing that the command would intensify operations against illegal mining and other criminal activities across the state.
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