NSCDC mining Marshal arrests 5 suspects, impound 2 trucks conveying lithium in Abuja

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Mining Marshal has arrested five suspects and impounded two trucks conveying lithium in Abuja.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by NSCDC National PRO, Babawale Afolabi.
It said that the Special Squad is poised to identify various mining sites and ascertain the correct loading point of trucks and the status of buying centres being supplied.
“The need to wage war against the menace of illegal mining activities leading to economic sabotage in the nation has become very imperative as illegal mining in no doubt constitutes one of the greatest threats to the nation’s economy and security.
“We have arrested 5 suspects for conspiring to sabotage the nation’s economy, illegal mining activities and other miscellaneous offences.
“At the point of the arrest they were in the conveyance of Solid Minerals identified as Lithium loaded in 2 trucks which were impounded along Airport Road and Kuje area of Abuja respectively”.
The names of the Suspects arrested are Okechukwu Udoka, Chimaucheya Nwakwo, Lukeman Mohammed, Rabiu Umar and Surajo Isah.
“During our preliminary investigation, the suspects volunteered their statements and admitted to illegal possession and conveyance of Lithium adding that they have been in the business of transporting Lithium to needed Companies while beating various Security checkpoints without verification of any Certification or documents”.
The investigation has commenced into the matter after which the suspects would be made to have their time at the Court of competent jurisdiction as this would serve as a deterrent to other criminal-minded persons.