NSCDC arrests 1 Chinese, 5 other illegal miners in Anambra

By Cyprian Ebele, Onitsha 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer, Anambra State, allegedly arrested six suspects including a Chinese National over illegal mining activities in the State.

Commandant Maku Olatunde, the NSCDC State Commandant stated this in Awka on Thursday while parading the suspects at the State Command Headquarters Awka. 

He  listed their names as Udoka Nwankwo, male (25), Amaka Samuel, female (18) , Onyi Ijeoma , female  ( 45) , Chimezie Aniefuna male , (25) , Chinaza Omrba female (18)  and the Chinese National Babajeje (47).

According to him, the arrest followed a tip- off on their operations at an illegal mining site at Odele Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area. 

” In our resolute and determination to discharge our statutory mandate in sanitizing the mining sector in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, we cracked down on these illegal miners siphoning the nation’s resources, causing revenue losses to the Federal government.

“These suspected illegal miners were apprehended on Thursday 5th of December, 2024 at about 11:40 hours for not obtaining licence that permits them to operate,  mining without paying surface rents and haulage fees to the State  government, and royalties to the coffers of the  Federal government contrary to section 33 of Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act 2027” Maku said.

Maku stated further that the suspects are presently undergoing investigation, and upon its conclusion, they will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction to face  prosecution.

Highlighting the importance of synergy between the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Henry Bolarinwa, the Federal Mines Officer of the state, emphasized that obtaining a valid license from the Ministry and seeking proper guidance is crucial for anyone interested in mining.

Bolarinwa warned the public to request evidence of licenses from mining site owners and proof of royalty payments to the government. 

According to a press release  by the state Public Relations Officer of NSCDC, SC Okadigbo Edwin, this warning is necessary to prevent revenue losses and environmental hazards associated with illegal mining activities in the state.