Awka – The Anambra Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), under the command of Olatunde Maku, on Friday paraded four persons in Awka, said to be suspects in illegal mining in the state.
According to Maku, the four were arrested on Thursday at Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government Area, saying the arrest was made in collaboration with Federal Mines Officers of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in charge of Anambra.
He named the suspects as Nnamani Chidubem, Ekemezie Ifeanyi, Okolie Patrick, and Onyedika Somtoo, caught mining Laterite without approval from the relevant authorities, causing environmental degradation in the area.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include a truck-load of Laterite, with registration number LAGOS T- 13038 LA, nine heavy-duty batteries, one heavy duty hydraulic jack and four liters of fuel.
“This arrest is an indication and a strong signal to those illegal miners that it is no longer business as usual,” Mika added.
The NSCDC Commandant said that illegal mining constituted economic sabotage and posed environmental risks in the state.
He commended the Solid Minerals Unit for sustaining efforts aimed at stamping out illegal miners in the state.
Also speaking, Mr Henry Bolarinwa of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development urged miners to operate with valid licenses and in approved mining sites.
Bolarinwa said the warning was necessary to block revenue leakages and prevent environmental hazards associated with illegal mining activities.
