The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made significant strides in combating illegal mining activities, with the recent arrest of 41 suspects and seizure of 12 trucks allegedly involved in illegal mining operations.
Acting on credible intelligence, the EFCC apprehended individuals found transporting truckloads of assorted minerals without the requisite licenses.
The arrests, which occurred on Monday, February 5, 2024, spanned various locations including Share, Banni, Lade, Patigi, and Okolowo in Kwara State, as well as Igbeti and Ogbomosho in Oyo State.
Previous efforts by the Command, in July 12, 2023, resulted in the conviction of a Chinese national, Gang Deng, and facilitated the final forfeiture of two trucks along with their mineral contents to the Federal Government. Dele Oyewale, Head of Media & Publicity for the EFCC, issued a statement on February 7, 2024 recalling a separate incident in which 13 Chinese nationals were arrested for offenses related to illegal mining activities.
The EFCC emphasized its commitment to prosecuting the suspects in accordance with the law, stating that the individuals apprehended in the recent operation will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.