The war on illegal mining has claimed another victory. Operatives from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 10 suspects in Kwara State, dismantling a sophisticated syndicate accused of looting the nation’s mineral wealth.

The sting operation, executed along the Ilorin-Ogbomosho axis, exposes the scale of the rot in the solid minerals sector. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-9)Acting on precise intelligence, detectives intercepted a convoy of trucks laden with lithium, tin, and lepidolite—precious resources that were being carted away without a single permit. This is not just theft; it is economic sabotage on a grand scale.

The Loot

The EFCC's findings are damning. [...](asc_slot://start-slot-11)The suspects, primarily truck drivers and escorts, could produce no documentation for the minerals they were hauling. This seizure highlights the "Wild West" nature of mining in North Central Nigeria, where the state loses billions to unregulated extraction.

• The Minerals: Lithium is the new gold, critical for batteries and tech, making it a prime target for illegal cartels.
• The Network: These arrests are likely just the tip of the iceberg, pointing to powerful backers who finance the excavation and logistics.
• The Charge: The suspects face prosecution, but the real challenge lies in tracing the supply chain to its source.

A Clear Signal

The EFCC has vowed to turn up the heat. "We will not allow our natural resources to be plundered while the people remain poor," a source at the commission stated. The message to illegal miners is unambiguous: the free ride is over.

As the trucks sit impounded in Ilorin, the question remains: who are the barons behind the drivers? [...](asc_slot://start-slot-13)The investigation continues.