NSCDC Seals Illegal Lithium Mine in Kebbi, Uncovers ₦1.43 Trillion Fraud
Security Forces Crack Down on Unauthorized Mining Operation
LAGOS, Nigeria – In a major enforcement action, Nigeria’s Mining Marshals unit of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has shut down an illegal lithium mining operation in Libata, Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Authorities allege the operation defrauded the federal government of over ₦1.43 trillion through unauthorized mineral extraction.
Company Under Investigation for Large-Scale Mineral Theft
Acting under a federal high court mandate, the enforcement team linked the operation to Three Crown Mines Ltd, now facing investigation for alleged mineral theft and regulatory violations. Officials claim the company, possibly working with unnamed foreign nationals, illegally extracted lithium worth ₦1,431,762,340,450 over two years.
“The company significantly exceeded its Small Scale Mining License (SSML) and Exploration License boundaries,” said a regulatory official. “They encroached on cadastre units legally owned by another titleholder, violating multiple sections of Nigeria’s mining laws.”
Legal Violations and Government Revenue Loss
The operation reportedly contravenes:
- Section 46(2) of the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act
- Section 48 of the Nigerian Mining Regulations, 2011
Authorities emphasize that these activities not only deprived the government of substantial revenue but also weakened legal protections for Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Investigation Faces Obstruction Attempts
The shutdown followed a coordinated inspection involving security personnel, state mining officials, and company representatives. However, the investigation hit a snag when Three Crown Mines directors failed to appear before investigators in Abuja on July 21.
The company’s counsel, Y.C. Maikyau, SAN, cited “inconvenience” in a formal letter, a justification the Mining Marshals deemed unacceptable. “We won’t tolerate attempts to stall this investigation,” warned an NSCDC spokesperson. “A new appearance date must be set immediately.”
Zero Tolerance for Mineral Theft
John Onoja, Assistant Commandant of Corps and Mining Marshals Commander, issued a stern warning: “We will not negotiate Nigeria’s mineral fortune. Mineral theft is not a compoundable offence.”
This crackdown follows recent action against Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company, fined ₦2 billion in a similar case. Onoja noted these enforcement measures align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and directives from Solid Minerals Minister Dele Alake.
Lithium’s Strategic Importance
With lithium becoming crucial for global energy transition technologies and Nigeria’s economic strategy, officials warn that unchecked exploitation threatens both national revenue and sovereignty.
NSCDC Commandant-General Abubakar Ahmed Audi emphasized: “Enforcing laws that protect federal revenue is fundamental to Nigeria’s prosperity. Cleaning up the mining sector isn’t just necessary—it’s non-negotiable.”
The case highlights growing government efforts to regulate Nigeria’s mining sector and protect strategic mineral resources as the country positions itself in the global energy transition market.
Source: Independent NG