The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has apprehended six individuals for alleged illegal mining activities in the state.
State Commandant Olatunde Maku disclosed the arrests on Thursday in Awka, noting that the operation occurred in Odele, Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area. The arrest was conducted in collaboration with Federal Mines Officers from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, following credible intelligence.
The suspects include Udoka Nwankwo (25), Amaka Samuel (18), Onyi Ijeoma (45), Chimezie Aniefuna (25), Chinaza Omiba (18), and a Chinese national, Babajeje David (47).
“In our efforts to sanitize the mining sector, we successfully cracked down on these illegal operators,” Maku stated. He explained that the suspects were found running unauthorized sand and laterite mining operations without valid licenses.
According to the commandant, the suspects also failed to pay surface rents, haulage fees to the state government, or royalties to the Federal Government, violating Section 33 of the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act of 2027.
“These illegal activities were not only depleting the nation’s resources but also causing significant revenue losses to the Federal Government,” Maku added.
He assured that the suspects would face appropriate legal charges once investigations are concluded.
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