The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Kwara State Command, says it has intercepted a truck conveying 36 tonnes of suspected lithium ore along the Jebba Expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin.

State Commandant Abbas Nda-Mohammed disclosed this while addressing journalists in Ilorin on Tuesday.

According to him, the interception occurred around 10pm on Friday during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the Mines and Steel Unit attached to the command’s Special Patrol Team.

Nda-Mohammed said the truck, marked DKA 990 XJ with Kaduna registration, was conveying substances suspected to be lithium ore when it was intercepted by officers of 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,” he stated.

The commandant explained that investigations were ongoing to determine the actual source and ownership of the suspected lithium as well as identify the mining company and other persons connected to the transaction.

He added that three suspects had been arrested in connection with the alleged illegal mining activity and would be prosecuted after the conclusion of investigations.

Nda-Mohammed reaffirmed the commitment of the NSCDC to protecting critical national assets and combating illegal mining operations across Kwara State and the country at large.

He stressed that the command would intensify surveillance and enforcement operations aimed at curbing illegal mining and other criminal activities within the state.