The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said it conducted a successful operation in Abuja’s Asokoro district, resulting in the arrest of 13 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities.
News About Nigeria reports that this was contained on the official X page of the anti-graft agency on Friday.
The EFCC said that the arrest was made possible by reliable information suggesting that the suspects were involved in the illicit transportation of large quantities of coal and kaolin, loaded onto five trucks, from Nassarawa State to a location in Kaduna State.
It added that the EFCC operatives intercepted the trucks and took the suspects into custody, where they are currently being questioned to uncover more details about their alleged illegal activities.
The statement said an investigation is ongoing, and upon its completion, the suspects will be prosecuted in court.
Recall that in 2023, the Ilorin zonal command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said it arrested about 80 illegal miners within 10 months.
Michael Nzekwe, the zonal commander, spoke when he hosted Abdulquawiy Olododo, the Kwara commissioner for solid mineral development.
Nzekwe narrated how intelligence had revealed the operation of illegal mining sites across the state and the efforts of the EFCC in checking the menace.
He said this led to the arrest of the illegal miners with truckloads of assorted minerals.
Also in February, the anti-graft agency said it impounded 12 trucks containing some illegally mined solid minerals in Kwara.
The EFCC added that the solid minerals were being transported outside the country to the detriment of the Nigerian economy.
