By Bassey Emem
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) apprehended suspects involved in illegal mining activities across various locations in Kwara and Oyo States.
The suspects, numbering over 40 individuals, were taken into custody for transporting truckloads of assorted minerals without proper licenses.
The EFCC, in its ongoing fight against corruption and illegal mining syndicates, conducted operations leading to the arrest of individuals engaged in unauthorized mining activities.
The commission impounded 12 trucks used for transporting illegally mined minerals.The arrests took place recently as part of the EFCC’s continuous efforts to combat illegal mining and economic sabotage. EFCC Zonal Commander, Mr. Michael Nzekwe, made the announcement on Tuesday in Ilorin.
The suspects were apprehended at various locations in Share, Banni, Lade, Patigi, and Okolowo in Kwara State, as well as in Igbeti and Ogbomosho in Oyo State.Illegal mining activities are considered acts of economic sabotage and can lead to environmental devastation, socio-economic hardships, insecurity, and other criminal activities.
The EFCC aims to curb these activities to safeguard the nation’s resources and promote legal and sustainable mining practices.
The arrests followed credible intelligence gathered by the EFCC regarding the activities of illegal miners transporting minerals without the requisite licenses.
The suspects, including Nura Lawan, Tunde Jimoh, and several others, will face prosecution under Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act Cap M17, 1983. Upon the conclusion of investigations, they will be arraigned in court.