The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Oyo State Command, on Wednesday, in Ibadan, said it has arrested five persons for illegal mining in the state.
The state’s Commandant, Augustine Padonu, disclosed this while presenting the suspects.
The Command’s team intercepted the suspects with two trucks carrying lithium powder weighing approximately 60 tonnes.
Investigations showed the minerals were loaded from Ilenla in Kishi town, Oyo State, and were headed for sale in Ogere, Ogun.
The suspects were found to be operating from illegal mining sites without the necessary licenses and permits.
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“On Friday, at about 2100 hours, our vigilant monitoring team intercepted two DAF trucks with registration numbers BDJ 64 XE and ARP 201 XB at the Ibadan Toll Gate of Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
“The trucks were loaded with solid minerals suspected to be lithium powder weighing about 60 tonnes,” he said.
The NSCDC official mentioned that after the investigations are completed, the suspects will face trial in court.
He emphasized that the NSCDC in Oyo State is resolute in its dedication to eliminating criminal activities within the state.
“We urge the good people of Oyo State to continue providing NSCDC and other security agencies with information that will aid our efforts in maintaining law and order,” Padonu said.
He guaranteed that the command would persist in their efforts to safeguard the country’s solid mineral resources and ensure that all mining operations adhere to legal regulations.
