The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command has arrested three suspects for alleged illegal mining of sharp sand at Obiaja River NEAR Nnobi-Ideani Junction-Uke Road in Idemili South Local Government Area.
State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, who made this known in a statement, said the arrest was made by operatives of the command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit, in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer in the state.
He said the command’s determination to curb unregulated mining and protect mineral resources from exploitation by unlicensed operators led to the raid of Mmiri Obiaja popularly known as Mmiri Mgbo Obiaja Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
He listed the suspects as Patrick Anpue, 45, of Umuagu Village Nnobi in Idemili South Local Government Area, Chidubem Ugammadu, 44, of Urumkpu Village, Umuoji in Idemili South Local Government Area and Chukwuma Igwe, 47, of Umuanocha Village, Awka-Etiti in Idemili North Local Government Area.
Maku, who noted that the operation underscored the command’s efforts to clamp down on unregulated mining, listed the exhibits recovered from the suspects to include two tippers with registration numbers XA 653 GBZ and GDD 423 XB, six shovels and one wheelbarrow.
Hesaid the suspects had confessed to the crime.
He warned individuals and groups engaged in illegal sand mining or related activities in violation of environmental laws to desist or fac the law.