Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, DSS Clamp Down on Lithium Ore Theft, Seize Seven Trucks in Ilorin

In a coordinated, intelligence‑led operation, the South‑West Zonal Office of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, working alongside the Department of State Services (DSS) Kwara State Command, intercepted seven trucks suspected of illegally transporting lithium ore within the region.

The Zonal Mine Officer for the South‑West, Engineer Ganiyu Wasiu Ajibade, revealed that the crackdown followed credible intelligence received on Thursday, 8 January 2026, indicating that a convoy of 12 trucks had been mobilized to remove lithium ore from an active mining site in Saki, Oyo State.

Acting swiftly, Ajibade engaged the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the DSS in Oyo State and directed his colleagues in Kwara and Ogun States to mobilize their surveillance teams to monitor and track the movement of the trucks carrying lithium ore in their respective states.

The operation showed that the convoy departed Saki at 11:30 p.m. on 8 January, reached Igbeti early Friday morning, and continued towards Ilorin, Kwara State, by 7:00 p.m.

Seven trucks were apprehended between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. along the Oko‑Olowo–Eyenkorin Expressway in Kwara State. One driver escaped, abandoning his vehicle, while the others were taken into custody.

Upon questioning, the drivers admitted they had been hired by an individual to transport the lithium ore, and their operation was accompanied by mine‑marshall personnel. All accompanying documents issued at the mining site were recovered.

Engineer Ajibade stressed that the operation reflects the directives of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Henry Dele Alake, who has maintained a zero‑tolerance policy against illegal mining.

He affirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources and warned that enforcement against illegal mining and mineral theft will be intensified across the country.