ILORIN, Nigeria — Paramilitary forces in central Nigeria have intercepted a haulage truck carrying 36 tonnes of suspected lithium ore as part of an aggressive crackdown on the illicit extraction of the country’s critical mineral wealth.
The shipment was seized by operatives from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) along the strategic Jebba Expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.
The NSCDC State Commandant, Abbas Nda-Mohammed, briefed journalists on Tuesday, revealing that the operation took place at approximately 22:00 local time on Friday. The commercial vehicle, registered in northern Kaduna State, was stopped during a targeted security sweep.
No Valid Licenses
The seizure highlights growing concerns over the smuggling of lithium—a highly valuable mineral crucial for the global manufacture of electric vehicle batteries and electronics.
According to the authorities, the individuals accompanying the cargo were completely unable to justify the massive transit.
“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,” Mr. Nda-Mohammed said.
Three suspects were arrested at the scene during the intelligence-led operation, which was executed by the corps’ specialized Mines and Steel Unit alongside a tactical Special Patrol Team.
Chasing the Supply Chain
The NSCDC has launched a wider investigation to trace the supply chain behind the seized minerals. Investigators are working to pinpoint the exact illegal mining site from which the ore was extracted, identify the true corporate ownership of the cargo, and unmask any prominent backers financing the syndicate.
The three detained suspects face formal prosecution in a court of law once the preliminary findings are concluded.
Commandant Nda-Mohammed reiterated that the security agency would continue to intensify its surveillance operations across Kwara State to protect critical national assets and sever the financial lifelines of unauthorized mining cartels operating in the region.
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