EFCC Intercepts Eight Trucks With Illegally Mined Minerals in Benue

This was disclosed in a statement by the anti-graft agency, on its official X handle, where it confirmed the arrests of the individuals involved.

The EFCC stated that the trucks were seized on Wednesday, March 19 in the Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to the EFCC, preliminary investigations revealed that the minerals—believed to be fluorite and iron stones—were mined from unauthorized sites in Logo Local Government Area of the state.

Business Post reports that the Benue State government had paused all mining activities, as it was responsible for some of the crisis in the state.

“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, formerly known as Twitter.

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.

The EFCC was involved in the issue of mining to quell further economic losses facing the nation.

According to the Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr Dele Alake, the government is losing trillions of Naira to unregulated and illegal mining activities.

He disclosed earlier this week that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved N2.5 billion for the procurement of an integrated solution framework to combat illegal and unregulated mining activities.

He also disclosed that his ministry had opted for dialogue and collaboration with state governors rather than confrontation, saying many governors were initially unaware of the constitutional framework governing mining, but have now been engaged through discussions facilitated by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF).

Mr Alake noted that states must collaborate with federal authorities in addressing illegal mining and related criminal activities.