NSCDC arrests three over illegal sand mining in Anambra

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, has arrested three suspects for alleged illegal mining of sharp sand at Obiaja River along the Nnobi-Ideani Junction, Uke Road in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking during a media briefing late on Wednesday at the State Command Headquarters, Awka, the State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the arrest was made by operatives of the command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit, in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer in the state.

Olatunde stated the command’s determination to curb unregulated mining and protect mineral resources from exploitation by unlicensed operators led to the raid of the location.

He said, “On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at about 14:07 hours, the command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit, in collaboration with the Office of the Federal Mines Officer, Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, acting on credible intelligence, raided ‘Mmiri Obiaja’ popularly known as ‘mmiri mgbo’ Obiaja Nnobi and arrested three suspects engaged in illegal mining of sharp sand at the river.

“The following suspects: one Patrick Anpue, male, aged 45, of Umuagu Village, Nnobi in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State; Chidubem Ugammadu, male, aged 44, of Urumkpu Village, Umuoji in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State; and Chukwuma Igwe, male, aged 47, of Umuanocha Village, Awka-Etiti in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State were arrested at the site.”

The state commandant said the operation underscored the command’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on unregulated mining in the state.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects include two tippers with registration numbers XA 653 GBZ and GDD 423 XB, six shovels and one wheelbarrow used for excavation.

“The suspects have confessed to carrying out mining activities at the site without authorisation or legal documentation from relevant authorities. Investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation,” he added.

He reiterated the corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, including solid minerals, in line with its core mandate, as he warned individuals and groups engaged in illegal sand mining or related activities to desist or face the full wrath of the law.

Olatunde encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of illegal sand mining to the NSCDC for necessary action.