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 the state's Ogbaru and Ogidi Local Government Areas. The operation, carried out in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, aimed to protect the country's mineral resources and curb illegal mining activities.

Head of Media and Tactical Operations Okadigbo Edwin disclosed the details in a statement on Friday. Edwin revealed that the operation followed intelligence gathering and surveillance, which uncovered that the illegal mining sites lacked valid documentation. The Mines and Solid Minerals Development Unit, led by Assistant Commandant Ochie Paul, and the Anambra State Federal Mines Officer, Edet Anthony, jointly initiated the investigation.

Upon locating the enforcement team, the suspected illegal miners fled the scenes, abandoning equipment and disappearing into the nearby bushes. However, various exhibits were recovered at both sites before they were sealed. At the Atani site in Ogbaru LGA, recovered items included a long shovel, two gallons of gasoline, an excavator battery, and power steering oil.

Subsequently, the team moved to the Iyienu site in Ogidi, Ogidi LGA, where a laterite/sandstone mining site was sealed, and recovered exhibits included four shovels, sledge hammers, a cutlass, rakes, hammers, chisels, and a small sieve. Edwin warned that operations would continue across Anambra State, emphasizing that fleeing during security raids would not exempt individuals from arrest and prosecution.

The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, commended the joint enforcement team's efforts to protect natural resources, preserve the environment, and safeguard communities from mining activities' negative impacts, such as land degradation, erosion, and environmental regulation violations.