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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Energy & Infrastructure

Nigeria NSCDC Intercepts Truck Carrying 36 Tonnes of Suspected Lithium Ore

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kwara State intercepted a truck carrying approximately 36 tonnes of suspected lithium ore.
  • The suspects failed to produce valid licenses or documents authorizing the possession and transportation of the mineral, leading to the arrest of three individuals.
  • The NSCDC is continuing its investigation to identify the source, ownership, and the mining company involved, vowing to prosecute those connected to illegal mining.

Authorities in Kwara State have intercepted a truck laden with an estimated 36 tonnes of suspected lithium ore, a significant find in the ongoing crackdown on illegal mining activities. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) made the seizure along the Jebba Expressway in Ilorin.

A truck vehicle, marked DKA 990 XJ, Kaduna State, conveying about 36 tonnes of substances, suspected to be lithium ore, was intercepted by the corps.

· Abbas Nda-MohammedThe NSCDC Commandant detailed the seizure of the truck and its suspected cargo.

Commandant Abbas Nda-Mohammed of the NSCDC Kwara State Command revealed that the truck was stopped during a late-night operation. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were unable to present any valid mining licenses, waybills, or other legal documentation that would permit the possession and transportation of such a large quantity of mineral resources.

Preliminary investigations showed that the suspects failed to provide valid mining licences, waybills or any legal documents authorising the possession and transportation of the mineral resources.

· Abbas Nda-MohammedNda-Mohammed explained the reason for the interception and the lack of proper documentation.

As a result of the failed documentation, three individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident. The NSCDC has launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact origin of the suspected lithium ore and to identify its rightful owner and the mining company involved. Commandant Nda-Mohammed affirmed the corps' commitment to protecting national assets and pledged to intensify operations against illegal mining, promising to prosecute all parties found to be connected to the illicit trade upon the conclusion of the investigation.

They were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation by operatives of the Mines and Steel Unit, attached to the command’s Special Patrol Team.

· Abbas Nda-MohammedThe commandant described the operation that led to the arrest of three suspects.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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