NSCDC Apprehends 5 Suspects. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshal has apprehended five suspects found in possession of solid minerals identified as lithium, loaded onto two trucks in Abuja.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday by NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi, it was stated: “In response to the Commandant General’s directives, the NSCDC Mining Marshal has taken proactive measures to enhance their intelligence operations in safeguarding Critical National Assets and Infrastructure nationwide.”
Highlighting the mandate of the Commander CG’s Mining Marshal to identify mining sites, verify truck loading points, and monitor buying centers, Afolabi emphasized the urgent need to combat illegal mining activities, which pose significant threats to the nation’s economy and security.
Afolabi disclosed, “We have apprehended five suspects involved in economic sabotage through illegal mining activities and related offenses.”
“At the time of arrest, they were transporting solid minerals, specifically lithium, in two trucks seized along Airport Road and Kuje area of Abuja.”
The suspects arrested were identified as Okechukwu Udoka, Chimaucheya Nwakwo, Lukeman Mohammed, Rabiu Umar, and Surajo Isah.
“During preliminary investigations, the suspects confessed to illegally possessing and transporting lithium to various companies without proper certification or documentation,” Afolabi stated.
He further revealed that investigations into the matter have commenced, with plans to prosecute the suspects in a court of competent jurisdiction, serving as a deterrent to others engaged in similar criminal activities.
