NSCDC Arrest Chinese National, Five Others For Illegal Mining In Anambra

The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested six people, including a Chinese national, for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities.

The command’s spokesperson, SC Edwin Okadigbo, who shared the details in a statement on Thursday, December 5, said the arrest was made in collaboration with the Federal Mines Office.

He explained that the arrests followed a tip-off about unlawful mining at an unapproved site in Odele Aguleri, located in Anambra East Local Government Area.

The suspects were identified as Udoka Nwankwo (25), Amaka Samuel (18), Onyi Ijeoma (45), Chimezie Aniefuna (25), Chinaza Omrba (18), and a Chinese man known as “Babajeje” (47).

Okadigbo noted that this operation aligns with efforts to regulate the mining sector and prevent financial losses to the Federal Government.

The arrested individuals were accused of mining without licenses, avoiding payment of surface rents and haulage fees to the state, and failing to remit royalties owed to the Federal Government, breaching Section 33 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.

The State Commandant, Olatunde Maku, emphasized the NSCDC’s dedication to addressing illegal mining, highlighting its detrimental impact on the country’s economy.

KanyiDaily recalls that Nigerian Police recently arrested and arraigned 113 foreign nationals before the Federal High Court in Abuja.