The Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC in collaboration with the Kwara State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC and the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development have arrested thirteen suspected illegal miners operating in Kakafu village in Pategi Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Spokesman of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Olasunkanmi Ayeni in a statement said the suspects were arrested during a joint operation which followed a credible intelligence received by the EFCC over some suspected illegal miners operating in the area.
The suspects are, Buba Mohammed, Yusuf Umar, Surajo Shehu, Abubakar Abdullahi, Salisu Mohammed, Quadri Sulaiman and Nwafor Chinonso.
Others include Abdullahi Isa, Mustapha Mohammed, Buhari Hassan, Basiru Jafaru, Murtala Jafaru and Jafaru Abdullahi.
The statement said five (5) trucks fully loaded with different brands of solid minerals were recovered from the suspects.
The statement explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were not paying royalties to the Federal Government as required by law.
The statement noted that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
REL/ALI MUHAMMAD RABIU