The individuals arrested are Saidu Madugu, Adamu Amadu, Lawal Ibrahim, Mohammed Mustapha, Abdulkarim Hassaini, Isiaka Abubakar, Shafiu Salisu, Abdullahi Yanda Isa, Bashiru Mohammed, Anas Saidu, Asa Bature, Abudu Sani, Jabir Salisu, Bello Muhammed, Habilu Idris, Fatai Abdullai, Isyiaka Hamidu, and Oseni Lukman. While most of the arrests took place on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, Fatai, Isyiaka, and Oseni were detained on Thursday, June 13, 2024.
The arrests followed credible intelligence regarding the suspects’ involvement in transporting illegally mined solid minerals along the Eiyenkorin-Ballah route in Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State. The operation, executed in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Kwara Area Command patrol team, led to the interception of the trucks carrying the illicit minerals.
This recent crackdown is part of a broader effort by the EFCC to curb illegal mining activities in the region. Earlier, on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the Ilorin Zonal Directorate had arrested eleven suspects and impounded eight trucks for similar offences.
The EFCC has stated that the suspects will be arraigned in court following the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
