Anambra NSCDC arrests two for illegal mining
In a significant crackdown on illicit mining operations, operatives of the
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State have
apprehended two individuals for engaging in illegal mining activities.
The arrests, made based on credible intelligence, occurred around 11 pm on
Tuesday, as announced by the State Commandant of NSCDC, Maku Olatunde. The
suspects were paraded at the state headquarters on Wednesday, where
commendation was given to the NSCDC’s Mining Marshal Squad led by Agunwa Osita
for swift action against “economic saboteurs.”
The arrested individuals, identified as Madueke Akpuchukwu, aged 53, from
Awomama town in Imo State, and Chimezie Ezenduka, aged 54, of Federal Housing
in Onitsha, were apprehended at Igbariam while transporting suspected solid
mineral (Kaolin) without the relevant permit.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects utilized a 40-ton
truck with no registration number to transport 600 bags of Kaolin, camouflaged
as cement consignment with tarpaulin covering.
The confiscated solid minerals, valued at over N20 million, were excavated
from a sealed site near Nando and were being unlawfully transported out of the
state without the necessary waybill or license.
Commandant Maku emphasized the detrimental effects of illegal mining
activities on the state’s revenue generation and overall development, stating
that such activities hinder the delivery of democratic dividends to the people.
He reiterated NSCDC’s commitment to curbing illegal mining across the state,
warning perpetrators to either cease their activities or face the full force of
the law.
The arrested suspects are currently undergoing further investigation and
will be arraigned in court upon completion of the process.
In a confessional statement, one of the suspects, Akpuchukwu, pleaded for
mercy, admitting to transporting Kaolin for eight years without proper
certification as a licensed miner.
The NSCDC urged the public to report illegal mining activities and provide
useful information for prompt action against unlawful practices contributing to
environmental degradation and revenue loss.
(sources : Punchng.com)
