NSCDC arrest Chinese, five other illegal miners in Anambra

Due to suspected illicit mining activities in the state, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, and the Federal Mines Office have arrested six individuals, including a Chinese. 

The arrests came after a tip-off on the suspects' activities at an unauthorised mining site in Odele Aguleri, the state's Anambra East Local Government Area, according to a statement released by the command's spokesperson, SC Edwin Okadigbo, on Thursday. 

Udoka Nwankwo (25), Amaka Samuel (18), Onyi Ijeoma (45), Chimezie Aniefuna (25), Chinaza Omrba (18), and the Chinese national known only as “Babajeje” (47), were among the suspects who were paraded at the command headquarters in Awka.

According to Okadigbo, the arrests were a part of the Federal Government's attempts to clean up the mining industry and reduce revenue losses.

“The suspects were apprehended for mining without valid licences, failing to pay surface rents and haulage fees to the state government, and evading royalties due to the Federal Government, in violation of Section 33 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act,” the statement read.

Olatunde Maku, the State Commandant, reaffirmed the NSCDC's dedication to combating illicit mining, characterising the activity as a serious danger to the country's economy. 

Henry Bolarinwa, the Federal Mines Officer for Anambra, stressed in his speech the need of miners obtaining legitimate licenses and adhering to due process.

He said, “Illegal mining deprives the government of revenue and causes environmental hazards. We advise prospective miners to request evidence of licenses from mining site operators and ensure royalty payments are made to the government.”

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