Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State, in collaboration with the Federal Mines Office, have arrested a Chinese national and five others for engaging in illegal mining activities.
The suspects were apprehended following a tip-off about unauthorised mining at a site in Odele Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area.
The arrested individuals include a 47-year-old Chinese national known as Babajeje, Udoka Nwankwo (25), Amaka Samuel (18), Onyi Ijeoma (45), Chimezie Aniefuna (25), and Chinaza Omrba (18).
According to the NSCDC spokesperson, SC Edwin Okadigbo, “The suspects were arrested for engaging in mining without valid licences, failing to pay surface rents and haulage fees to the state, and evading royalties due to the Federal Government, in violation of Section 33 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.”
NSCDC State Commandant Olatunde Maku emphasised the agency’s commitment to combating illegal mining, stating, “Illegal mining is a serious threat to our country’s economy. We will continue to work tirelessly to address this issue.”
Henry Bolarinwa, the Federal Mines Officer for Anambra, underscored the importance of adhering to legal mining practices.
He urged potential miners to verify the licensing status of site operators and ensure that royalty payments are made to the government. Bolarinwa warned, “Illegal mining deprives the government of crucial revenue and causes environmental damage.”
