Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has intercepted eight trucks transporting suspected illegally mined solid minerals in Benue State, intensifying the crackdown on illegal mining activities in the North Central.
The anti-graft agency, on its official X handle, where it confirmed the arrests, stated that the trucks were seized on Wednesday in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area.
According to EFCC, preliminary investigations revealed that the minerals—believed to be fluorite and iron stones—were mined from unauthorized sites in Logo Local Government Area.
“We are determined to combat the illegal mining of Nigeria’s mineral resources and bring perpetrators to justice. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” EFCC tweeted on X.
Illegal mining has been a growing concern in Nigeria, with authorities warning that the illicit extraction of solid minerals deprives the country of valuable revenue and contributes to environmental degradation.
