By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities in the state, sealing two allegedly illegal mining sites in Ogbaru and Idemili North Local Government Areas, while also arresting three suspects and impounding two tippers in a separate operation in Idemili South.
The operations, according to separate news bulletins issued by the NSCDC Anambra State Command through its Head of Media and Tactical Operations, Superintendent of Corps (SC) Okadigbo Edwin, were carried out in collaboration with the Anambra State Federal Mines Officer of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
In the latest operation, the Corps said it sealed two mining sites at Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area and Iyienu, Ogidi, in Idemili North Local Government Area after intelligence gathering and surveillance allegedly revealed that the operators had no valid documentation authorising their mining activities.
SC Okadigbo, speaking on behalf of the State Commandant, Commandant Maku Olatunde, said operatives of the Command’s Mines and Solid Minerals Development Unit, led by Assistant Commandant of Corps, Ochie Paul, carried out the operation jointly with Engr. Edet Anthony, the Federal Mines Officer in Anambra State.
According to the NSCDC spokesman, the enforcement team launched an investigation into the activities of the operators before raiding the sites. He said the suspected illegal miners fled into nearby bushes on sighting the operatives, abandoning some equipment and other items at the locations.
At the sharp sand mining site in Atani, Ogbaru, where the operation reportedly took place at about 1:04pm, the Corps said it recovered a long shovel, two 25-litre gallons of gasoline, a big excavator battery and four litres of power steering oil.
The joint team thereafter moved to Iyienu, Ogidi, in Idemili North, where another site allegedly used for laterite and sandstone mining was sealed at about 4:45pm. Items recovered at the location, according to the NSCDC, included four shovels, two sledge hammers, a cutlass, three rakes, four hand hammers, two chisels and a small sieve.
The NSCDC said the operation formed part of renewed efforts to protect the country’s mineral resources and check unlicensed mining, warning that its operations would continue across Anambra State.
The Command also cautioned persons engaged in illegal mining against assuming that fleeing during enforcement operations would shield them from arrest and prosecution.
SC Okadigbo quoted the State Command as saying that the operations were necessary in view of concerns about land degradation, erosion, environmental violations and the threats unregulated mining activities pose to lives, property and public infrastructure.
Meanwhile, in an earlier operation at Obiaja River, popularly known as Mmiri Mgbo Obiaja, along the Nnobi-Ideani Junction-Uke Road in Idemili South Local Government Area, the NSCDC arrested three persons over alleged illegal sharp sand mining.
According to another press bulletin issued by the Corps, the arrest followed a raid carried out at about 2:07pm on August 26 by operatives of its Mines and Steel Development Unit in collaboration with the Office of the Federal Mines Officer.
The suspects were identified by the NSCDC as Patrick Anpue, 45, from Umuagu Village, Nnobi; Chidubem Ugammadu, 44, from Urumkpu Village, Umuoji; and Chukwuma Igwe, 47, from Umuanocha Village, Awka-Etiti.
The State Commandant, according to the statement, said the operation led to the recovery of two tippers with registration numbers XA 653 GBZ and GDD 423 XB, as well as six shovels and a wheelbarrow allegedly used for excavation.
The Corps further stated that the suspects allegedly admitted carrying out mining activities at the river without authorisation or legal documentation from the relevant authorities.
According to Commandant Maku, investigation into the matter is ongoing, after which the suspects would be charged to court.
The NSCDC Boss reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, including the nation’s solid mineral resources, and warned individuals and groups involved in illegal sand mining and related activities to desist or face the consequences of the law.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspected illegal mining activities to the NSCDC, stressing that public cooperation remains important in protecting the environment, communities and the state’s natural resources.
More photos from the raids:
