The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) of the Anambra State Command has announced that it arrested four suspects involved in illegal mining activities in the state.
News About Nigeria reports that the suspects were paraded in Awka on Friday.
The NSCDC commandant in the state, Olatunde Maku, said they were arrested on Thursday at Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government Area.
According to Maku, the arrest was in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officers of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in charge of Anambra.
Those arrested were identified as Nnamani Chidubem, Ekemezie Ifeanyi, Okolie Patrick, and Onyedika Somtoo.
“These suspects were caught mining laterite without approval from the relevant authorities, causing environmental degradation in the area.
“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include a truckload of Laterite, with registration number LAGOS T-13038 LA, nine heavy-duty batteries, one heavy-duty hydraulic jack and four fuel filters.
“This arrest is an indication and a strong signal to those illegal miners that it is no longer business as usual,” he added
The NSCDC commandant said that illegal mining constituted economic sabotage and posed environmental risks in the state.
Speaking further, Henry Bolarinwa of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development urged miners to operate with valid licences and at approved mining sites.
Bolarinwa said that the warning was necessary to block revenue leakages and prevent environmental hazards associated with illegal mining activities.
Earlier today, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Federal Capital Territory Command apprehended four suspected vandals and recovered an AK47 rifle.
