Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, on Wednesday, 11th September 2024, paraded five suspects allegedly involved in illegal mining activities. The parade, conducted by State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, took place at Area “A” Command Headquarters of the Corps, Railway Quarters, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
On Friday, 6th September, 2024, at approximately 2100 hours, Oyo State Command NSCDC’s monitoring team intercepted two DAF trucks at the Toll Gate on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway. The trucks, with registration numbers BDJ 64 XE and ARP 201 XB, were carrying an estimated 60 tonnes of solid minerals suspected to be lithium powder.
Subsequent investigation revealed that the minerals were loaded from Ilenla, Kishi Town, and were en route to Ogere in Ogun State for sale. The mining operation was conducted without the necessary licenses, including operation license, royalties, purchase and process license, and haulage receipt.
The five suspects paraded are:
1. Abdulahi Ayinde, 47, from Ilorin, Kwara State (driver)
2. Abdulrahman Ayinde, 35, from Saki, Oyo State (driver)
3. Femi Akanni, 35, from Ola Ejigbo, Osun State (motor boy)
4. Abdulakeem Fasasi, 31, from Saki, Oyo State (motor boy)
5. Wasiu Amuda, 22 (motor boy)
Commandant Padonu stated that the suspects would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
“NSCDC, Oyo State Command remains committed to eradicating criminal activities within our jurisdiction,” said Commandant Padonu. “We call on the citizens of Oyo State to continue supporting our efforts by providing valuable information to NSCDC and other security agencies.”
The Commandant assured the public that NSCDC would persist in its efforts to protect the nation’s solid mineral resources and ensure that all mining activities adhere to legal standards.