FG busts lithium smuggling ring, impounds seven trucks in Kwara

The Federal Government has intercepted seven trucks suspected of illegally conveying lithium ore in Kwara State, in a joint operation by the South-West Zonal Office of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The Zonal Mines Officer, Mr. Ganiyu Ajibade, disclosed this to journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday, saying the operation was triggered by credible intelligence received on January 9, 2026.

According to him, intelligence revealed that 12 trucks had been mobilised to evacuate lithium ore from an active mining site in Saki, Oyo State. Acting on the information, Ajibade said he alerted the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the DSS in Oyo State, while surveillance teams in Kwara and Ogun states were placed on standby to track the convoy.

He explained that the trucks departed Saki around 11:30 p.m. on Friday, January 9, arrived Igbeti early Saturday, and proceeded towards Ilorin, Kwara State, by about 7:00 p.m.

“Seven of the trucks were intercepted between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. along the Okoolowo–Eyenkorin Expressway in Kwara State,” Ajibade said. “One of the drivers fled, abandoning his vehicle, while the others were arrested.”

Ajibade added that the arrested drivers confessed they were contracted by an individual to transport the lithium ore and claimed they were escorted by Mine Marshal personnel from Abuja. He noted that all documents issued at the mining site were recovered during the operation.

He said the enforcement drive was in line with the directive of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who has declared zero tolerance for illegal mining activities.

Ajibade reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s mineral resources, warning that the government would intensify nationwide efforts to clamp down on illegal mining and mineral theft.