NSCDC Seizes 36 Tonnes of Suspected Lithium in Kwara

On a Friday night around 10 PM, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) intercepted a truck marked DKA 990 XJ from Kaduna State, which was transporting 36 tonnes of a substance suspected to be lithium. The operation took place along the Jebba Expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin, Kwara State.

NSCDC State Command representative Abba Nda disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the suspects could not provide valid mining licenses or legal documents authorizing the possession and transportation of the mineral resource. Further investigations are ongoing to ascertain the actual source and ownership of the suspected lithium.

The command has arrested three suspects in connection with this alleged criminal activity, which was apprehended during an intelligence-led operation by the Mine Steel Unit attached to the NSCDC's special patrol team. The suspects will be prosecuted according to the law upon the conclusion of the investigation, reaffirming the NSCDC's commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and intensifying operations against illegal mining activities across the state.