NSCDC ARRESTS THREE SUSPECTED ILLEGAL MINERS, SEIZES TWO TIPPERS IN ANAMBRA

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has arrested three men suspected of engaging in illegal sharp-sand mining at Obiaja River in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The suspects were apprehended during an operation conducted by the NSCDC Mines and Steel Development Unit in collaboration with the Office of the Federal Mines Officer under the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. The operation followed credible intelligence about unauthorised mining activities at the site.

The raid was carried out on Wednesday, August 26, at Mmiri Obiaja, popularly known as Mmiri Mgbo Obiaja Nnobi, along the Nnobi–Ideani Junction–Uke Road.

The three suspects were identified as Patrick Anpue, 45, Chidubem Ugammadu, 44, and Chukwuma Igwe, 47. According to the NSCDC, they were arrested at the mining site while allegedly extracting sharp sand from the river.

Security operatives also recovered two tippers with registration numbers XA 653 GBZ and GDD 423 XB, as well as six shovels and a wheelbarrow allegedly being used for excavation and transportation of the sand.

The NSCDC State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the suspects allegedly admitted to carrying out mining activities without the necessary authorisation or legal documentation from the appropriate authorities.

He said the arrests were part of the command’s intensified efforts to tackle unregulated mining and protect the state’s mineral resources from exploitation by unlicensed operators.

Olatunde warned individuals and groups involved in illegal sand mining to stop the practice, stressing that anyone found violating environmental and mining regulations would face legal action.

He added that the suspects would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.

The commandant also called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of illegal mining to the NSCDC, noting that public cooperation would assist security agencies in protecting critical national assets and Nigeria’s solid mineral resources.