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By Madu Obi
The Anambra State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested four persons allegedly involved in illegal mining activities in the state.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Olatunde Maku, while parading the suspects in Awka, said they were arrested on at Ogbunike in Oyi local government area of the state.
According to Maku, the arrest was in collaboration with officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in charge of Anambra State.
Those arrested were Nnamani Chidubem, Ekemezie Ifeanyi, Okolie Patrick, and Onyedika Somtoo.
Making said: “These suspects were caught mining laterite without approval from the relevant authorities, thereby causing environmental degradation in the area.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include a truck-load of Laterite, with registration number LAGOS T- 13038 LA, nine heavy-duty batteries, one heavy duty hydraulic jack and four fuel filters.
The arrest is an indication and a strong signal to those illegal miners that it is no longer business as usual".
The Commandant observed that illegal mining constituted economic sabotage and posed environmental risks in the state.
He commended the Solid Minerals Unit for sustaining efforts aimed at stamping out illegal miners in the state.
Also speaking during the parade, Mr Henry Bolarinwa of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development urged miners to operate with valid licenses and in approved mining sites.
Bolarinwa said the warning was necessary to block revenue leakages and prevent environmental hazards associated with illegal mining activities
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