The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has arrested three suspected illegal sand miners and impounded two tippers at Obiaja River in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commandant, Mr Olatunde Maku, disclosed this on Thursday in Awka while briefing journalists.
Maku said operatives of the command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit, working in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, carried out the arrests.
According to him, the operation was conducted on Wednesday following credible intelligence on illegal mining activities at Obiaja River, along the Nnobi-Ideni Junction, Uke Road.
He said the raid was part of the command’s efforts to curb unregulated mining and protect the state’s mineral resources from exploitation by unlicensed operators.
Maku explained that the suspects were arrested at the mining site while allegedly extracting sharp sand from the river.
He said the operatives recovered two tippers with registration numbers XA653GBZ and GDD423XB, six shovels and a wheelbarrow allegedly used for the excavation.
“The suspects confessed to carrying out mining activities at the site without authorisation or legal documentation from the relevant authorities,” he said.
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Maku added that the suspects would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.
The commandant reiterated the corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, including solid mineral resources, in line with its mandate.
He warned individuals and groups involved in illegal sand mining and other activities that violate environmental laws to desist or face the full weight of the law.
Maku also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of illegal sand mining to the NSCDC for necessary action.
