Home » NSCDC, Mines Officer Arrest Six for Illegal Mining in Anambra

NSCDC, Mines Officer Arrest Six for Illegal Mining in Anambra

By Ayomide Otitoju

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State, in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer, has apprehended six individuals, including a Chinese national, for engaging in illegal mining activities in Odele Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area.

Speaking in Awka on Thursday, December 5, 2024, Commandant Maku Olatunde, the NSCDC State Commandant, paraded the suspects at the State Command Headquarters. The arrested individuals were identified as Udoka Nwankwo (25), Amaka Samuel (18), Onyi Ijeoma (45), Chimezie Aniefuna (25), Chinaza Omrba (18), and a Chinese national, Babajeje (47)

“The arrest was made following a tip-off regarding their illicit operations at an illegal mining site,” Commandant Maku disclosed. “In our resolve to sanitize the mining sector in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, we cracked down on these illegal miners who are siphoning the nation’s resources, resulting in significant revenue losses to the Federal Government.”

The suspects are accused of mining without proper licenses, failing to pay surface rents and haulage fees to the state government, and avoiding royalty payments to the Federal Government. These actions contravene Section 33 of the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act of 2027.

Maku confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be prosecuted in court upon the conclusion of the inquiry.

Henry Bolarinwa, the Federal Mines Officer in Anambra State, emphasized the importance of obtaining valid licenses for mining operations. He urged the public to demand evidence of licenses and proof of royalty payments from site owners to avoid being complicit in illegal activities.

“This warning is vital to curb revenue losses and prevent environmental hazards caused by unregulated mining activities,” Bolarinwa stated, highlighting the critical synergy between the NSCDC and the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in enforcing compliance within the sector.

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