The Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested three suspected illegal miners allegedly transporting solid minerals believed to be lithium ore without valid documents.

The suspects, identified as Musa Abdullahi, 45, Aliyu Ibrahim, 20, and Ishaq Ibrahim, 51, all from Keffi in Nasarawa State, were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Mines and Steel Unit attached to the Command’s Special Patrol Team.

Kwara State NSCDC Commandant, Abbas Nda Mohammed, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Tuesday.

He said the operation was part of the corps’ renewed efforts to combat illegal mining and economic sabotage in the state.

According to him, the suspects were arrested around 10 p.m. on Friday along the Jebba Expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin.

Mohammed said operatives intercepted a truck with registration number DKA 990 XJ, Kaduna State, conveying about 36 tonnes of substances suspected to be lithium ore.

Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects could not provide mining licences, waybills or other legal documents authorising the possession and transportation of the minerals.

The NSCDC commandant said investigations were ongoing to determine the source and ownership of the minerals, identify other individuals linked to the transaction and establish the mining company involved.

He assured that the suspects would be prosecuted in line with the law after the investigation.

Mohammed reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and combating illegal mining activities across the state.