DSS, Solid Minerals Ministry Intercept Trucks Hauling Illegally Mined Lithium in Kwara, Intensify Crackdown on Mineral Theft

Nigeria’s growing battle against illegal mining recorded a significant breakthrough in Kwara State following the interception of several trucks allegedly transporting illegally mined lithium ore. The operation, which was intelligence-driven and carefully coordinated, was carried out by the South-West Zonal Office of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), Kwara State Command, with support from other security agencies.

According to officials, the operation led to the interception of seven trucks suspected to be conveying lithium ore illegally extracted from an active mining site in Saki, Oyo State. The Zonal Mine Officer for the South-West, Engineer Ganiyu Ajibade, disclosed that the action was prompted by credible intelligence received on Thursday, January 8, 2026. The intelligence revealed that a convoy of about 12 trucks had been mobilised to evacuate lithium ore from the mining site under suspicious circumstances, allegedly without proper authorisation.

Acting on the intelligence, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development immediately activated a multi-agency response. Engineer Ajibade explained that the Ministry engaged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the DSS in Oyo State, while also alerting its surveillance teams in Kwara and Ogun States. The aim was to monitor, track, and intercept the movement of the trucks across state boundaries, preventing the illegal minerals from being transported further or exported.

Investigations revealed that the convoy departed Saki at about 11:30 p.m. on January 8, a timing believed to be deliberately chosen to evade detection. The trucks reportedly passed through Igbeti in the early hours of Friday before continuing their journey towards Ilorin, Kwara State, later that evening. Between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., security operatives successfully intercepted seven of the trucks along the Okoolowo–Eyenkorin Expressway in Kwara State.

During the operation, one of the drivers reportedly fled the scene, abandoning his vehicle, while the remaining drivers were arrested and taken into custody for questioning. Preliminary interrogation, according to the authorities, revealed that the drivers were hired by an individual to transport the lithium ore. They also allegedly disclosed that their movement was accompanied and facilitated by a mine marshal personnel operating from Abuja, raising further questions about possible insider collaboration.

Security operatives recovered all documents issued at the mining site during the arrest. These documents are now being examined to determine their authenticity and to establish whether they were fraudulently obtained or improperly used to legitimise the transportation of the minerals. The arrested suspects, vehicles, and seized mineral products are expected to form key evidence as investigations continue.

Engineer Ajibade emphasised that the operation aligns with the firm directives of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who has consistently maintained a zero-tolerance stance against illegal mining, mineral theft, and the loss of national revenue. He stressed that Nigeria’s solid minerals sector must be protected from criminal exploitation, noting that illegal mining not only deprives the country of revenue but also fuels insecurity, environmental degradation, and community displacement.

The Ministry warned that enforcement actions against illegal mining would be intensified nationwide, with increased surveillance, inter-agency cooperation, and intelligence sharing. Ajibade also reiterated the government’s commitment to sanitising the mining sector, ensuring that only licensed operators who comply with regulations, environmental standards, and tax obligations are allowed to operate.

The interception has sparked renewed public debate about the link between illegal mining and insecurity, particularly in mineral-rich areas. Many observers argue that the violent displacement of communities and rising criminal activity in parts of the country are closely tied to the struggle for control of lucrative mineral resources such as lithium, gold, and other rare earth elements.

As investigations continue, the operation is being seen as a strong signal that the federal government intends to move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to curb illegal mining. Authorities have assured the public that those found to be behind the operation, including financiers and collaborators, will be pursued and prosecuted in accordance with the law.