Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested eight persons and six trucks for alleged involvement in illegal mining activities along the Ilorin – Ogbomoso axis of Kwara and Oyo states.

The suspects were arrested on Saturday, February 20, 2026, following credible intelligence and days of surveillance on unlawful mineral excavation and transportation across parts of the two states.

Their arrest brings to 18 the total number of persons apprehended by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate for suspected illegal mining within the last one month.

The suspects were intercepted last weekend alongside six truck-loads of assorted minerals suspected to be lithium and kaolin.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly operated without the requisite licences, permits, or regulatory approvals for mining activities.

The suspects will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the ongoing investigations.