The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has sealed an illegal lithium mining site in Libata, Ngaski Local Government Area of Kebbi State, accusing the operators of stealing minerals worth over ₦1.43 trillion.

The operation, carried out by the NSCDC’s Mining Marshals, followed a court order and was part of an ongoing clampdown on illegal mining activities across Nigeria. The targeted firm, Three Crown Mines Ltd, is now under investigation for allegedly exceeding its licensed boundaries and collaborating with unnamed foreign nationals to extract lithium illegally over a two-year period.

Officials said the company’s actions violated Nigeria’s mining laws, specifically section 46(2) of the 2007 Minerals and Mining Act and section 48 of the 2011 Mining Regulations. It was revealed that the company went far beyond its Small Scale Mining and Exploration Licenses, encroaching on territories already licensed to other miners.

According to Assistant Commandant John Onoja, who leads the Mining Marshals, the mining site was sealed after a joint inspection involving security agencies, government mine officers, and representatives of the accused company.

Despite being summoned to appear before investigators in Abuja on July 21, directors of the company failed to show up, claiming “inconvenience” through a letter from their lawyer, Y.C. Maikyau (SAN). The NSCDC has rejected the excuse, warning that attempts to stall the investigation will not be tolerated.

“We will not negotiate Nigeria’s mineral wealth. Mineral theft is a serious crime and not up for settlement,” Onoja said, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining.

The crackdown is part of a broader effort under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the directive of Solid Minerals Minister, Dele Alake, to clean up the mining sector.

NSCDC Commandant-General Abubakar Audi stressed the importance of law enforcement in protecting Nigeria’s economy. “Enforcing mining laws is essential to national prosperity. The clean-up of the sector is not optional—it’s mandatory,” he said.

Lithium, a valuable mineral used in electric batteries and green energy technologies, is becoming central to Nigeria’s economic plans. Officials say illegal extraction not only robs the nation of revenue but also threatens its economic future and national sovereignty.