A Chinese national and five other individuals have been taken into custody in Anambra State over allegations of involvement in unlawful mining operations.
The arrests were made by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, in collaboration with the Federal Mines Office. SC Edwin Okadigbo, the spokesperson for the NSCDC Command, confirmed the development in a statement released on Thursday from Awka, the state capital. According to him, the operation followed a tip-off regarding unlicensed mining activities at a site in Odele Aguleri, located in the Anambra East Local Government Area.
Among the suspects apprehended are a 47-year-old Chinese national known by the alias Babajeje; 25-year-old Udoka Nwankwo; 18-year-old Amaka Samuel; 45-year-old Onyi Ijeoma; 25-year-old Chimezie Aniefuna; and 18-year-old Chinaza Omrba.
Okadigbo emphasized that the arrests are part of broader efforts to sanitize the mining sector and curb revenue losses affecting the Nigerian government. He stated, “The suspects were apprehended for operating without valid licenses, neglecting to pay surface rents and haulage fees to the state, and evading royalties owed to the Federal Government. These actions contravene Section 33 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.”
The NSCDC State Commandant, Olatunde Maku, reiterated the agency’s determination to tackle illegal mining, which he described as a significant threat to the national economy.
Henry Bolarinwa, the Federal Mines Officer for Anambra, also commented on the issue, stressing the necessity for miners to obtain proper licenses and follow legal guidelines. He remarked, “Illegal mining not only deprives the government of essential revenue but also causes extensive environmental degradation. We encourage potential miners to demand proof of licensing from operators and ensure all royalty payments are made to the government.”
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Chronicles Reporters