By Nkechi Eze
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ilorin Zonal Directorate, have arrested eight persons and impounded six trucks for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities along the Ilorin–Ogbomoso axis spanning Kwara State and Oyo State.
The arrest, which took place on Saturday, February 20, 2026, followed credible intelligence and several days of surveillance on unlawful mineral excavation and transportation across parts of the two states.
Spokesperson of the commission, Dele Oyewale, who disclosed this in an official statement, said the suspects were intercepted last weekend alongside six truck-loads of assorted minerals suspected to be lithium and kaolin.
According to him, the latest operation has brought to 18 the total number of suspects apprehended by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate for illegal mining-related offences within the past one month, underscoring the commission’s sustained crackdown on economic sabotage linked to illicit mineral exploitation.
Preliminary investigations by the anti-graft agency revealed that the suspects allegedly carried out mining operations without the requisite licences, permits, or regulatory approvals as stipulated by law.
The EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing and confirmed that the suspects would be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the investigative process.
The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling illegal mining, warning that individuals and groups involved in the unlawful exploitation of the nation’s mineral resources would be brought to justice.
