Public commentator, Comrade Gerald O. Katchy has applauded the arrest of seven trucks allegedly carrying lithium ore in Kwara State, noting “these are part of the issues fueling insecurity, job well done.” “Let the crackdown begin,” he adds.
In a coordinated intelligence-led enforcement operation, the South-West Zonal Office of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, in partnership with the Department of State Services (DSS) Kwara State Command and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has intercepted and seized seven trucks suspected of illegally transporting lithium ore through the South-West region.
Commenting on the matter further, Comrade Katchy notes that illegal mining and the unchecked movement of strategic minerals such as lithium constitute not only economic sabotage but a direct national security threat. He stresses that proceeds from illicit mineral extraction have increasingly been linked to arms proliferation, banditry, and the financing of non-state armed groups across parts of the country.
According to Engineer Ganiyu Wasiu Ajibade, the South-West Zonal Mine Officer, the crackdown was triggered by “credible intelligence” received on Thursday, 8 January 2026, which indicated that a convoy of 12 trucks had been mobilised to remove lithium ore from an active mining site at Saki in Oyo State without proper authorisation.
Acting swiftly on the tip-off, Ajibade alerted security partners, including the DSS and NSCDC in Oyo State, and directed surveillance teams in Kwara and Ogun states to track the movement of the vehicles.
Investigations revealed that the convoy departed Saki at about 11:30 p.m. on 8 January, passed through Igbeti early on Friday morning, and continued toward Ilorin, Kwara State, arriving around 7:00 p.m. on 9 January.
Security operatives apprehended seven of the trucks between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. along the Okoolowo–Eyenkorin Expressway in Kwara State. One of the drivers reportedly escaped and abandoned his vehicle, while the others were taken into custody.
During preliminary questioning, the detained drivers admitted they were hired by an individual to transport the lithium ore. All accompanying documents said to have been issued at the mining site were recovered at the scene.
Engineer Ajibade said the operation reflects the directive of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, who has maintained a zero-tolerance stance against illegal mining and mineral theft. He emphasised that the Ministry remains resolute in protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and declared that surveillance and enforcement actions would be further intensified across the South-West and other parts of the country.
The intercepted trucks and suspects are expected to be handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and prosecution as part of efforts to curb illicit mining activities nationwide.
Comrade Katchy calls on the Federal Government to expand this intelligence-driven approach nationwide, strengthen community-level monitoring around mining sites, and ensure that all arrested suspects face transparent and speedy prosecution to serve as a deterrent. According to him, “crackdowns without convictions only postpone the problem.”
Katchy also urges host communities, transport unions, and traditional institutions to collaborate with security agencies by reporting suspicious mining and mineral haulage activities, adding that “Nigeria’s mineral wealth must serve development and job creation, not criminal networks and insecurity.”
Finally, he commends the inter-agency collaboration between the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, DSS, and NSCDC, describing it as a model that should be replicated in addressing oil theft, illegal logging, and other forms of resource plunder across the federation.
