NSCDC seals two illegal mining sites in Anambra crackdown

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, has sealed two illegal mining sites in Atani, Ogbaru Local Government Area, and Iyienu, Ogidi, in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state.

The command said the operation was carried out in collaboration with the Anambra State Federal Mines Officer of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development as part of efforts to protect the country’s mineral resources and curb illegal mining.

The Head of Media and Tactical Operations, Okadigbo Edwin, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

Edwin said the operation followed intelligence gathering and surveillance which revealed that the operators of the laterite/sandstone and sharp sand sites had no valid documentation authorising their activities.

The statement read, “The Mines and Solid Minerals Development Unit headed by Assistant Commandant of Corps, Ochie Paul, jointly with Anambra State Federal Mines Officer, Edet Anthony, launched an investigation into the activities of these illegal miners and raided the sites.

“On sighting the enforcement team, the suspected illegal miners escaped, leaving behind equipment and fleeing into the nearby bushes. However, various exhibits were recovered at both locations before the sites were sealed.

“At Atani, Ogbaru LGA, the operation took place at about 13:04 hours at an illegal sharp sand site where items recovered include one long shovel, two gallons of 25 litres of gasoline, one big excavator battery and four litres of power steering oil.

“Thereafter, the team moved to Iyienu, Ogidi in Idemili North LGA at about 16:45 hours where an illegal laterite/sandstone mining site was sealed and the following exhibits were recovered: four shovels, two sledge hammers, one cutlass, three rakes, four hand hammers, two chisels and one small sieve.”

Edwin said operations would continue across Anambra State, warning illegal miners that fleeing during security raids would not shield them from arrest and prosecution.

He said the operation demonstrated the professionalism of the corps’ personnel and warned that the government would no longer tolerate activities that undermine the mining sector, degrade the environment or threaten public infrastructure.

The statement said the State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, commended the joint enforcement team for its efforts to protect natural resources, preserve the environment and safeguard communities affected by mining activities.

“He noted that the level of land degradation, erosion threats, and flagrant violations of environmental regulations, which pose serious risks to lives, property, and public infrastructure, necessitated the swift action,” the statement added.