By Nkechi Eze
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 15 suspects over their alleged involvement in the illegal transportation and dealing of suspected radioactive solid minerals.
The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Commission’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate on Sunday, March 8, 2026, along the Suleja–Maji Road in Niger State while conveying the suspected minerals in three trucks to various destinations across the country.
According to a statement by the EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the suspects were intercepted during a routine operation after intelligence indicated suspicious movement of solid minerals suspected to be radioactive in nature.
Preliminary findings by investigators revealed that the suspects were transporting the minerals to several locations within Nigeria for purposes that are yet to be disclosed.
The anti-graft agency said the 15 suspects are currently undergoing further interrogation at the Kaduna Zonal Directorate as investigators intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the illegal operation and identify other possible collaborators.
The Commission added that the suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The arrest underscores ongoing efforts by the EFCC to clamp down on illegal mining and the illicit trade in solid minerals, which authorities say pose serious economic and environmental risks to the country.
