On Wednesday in Awka, the Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, apprehended two individuals suspected of involvement in unauthorized mining activities within the state.
The Commandant of NSCDC in Anambra State, Olatunde Maku, disclosed that the arrests of the suspects were made on Tuesday based on reliable information.
Identified as Madueke Akpuchukwu, 53, from Awomama in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State, and Chimezie Ezenduka, 54, residing at No 4 Mekus Drive Federal Housing, Onitsha, the suspects were intercepted at Igbariam while attempting to transport approximately 600 bags of solid mineral (Kaolin) without the necessary authorization.
During preliminary investigations, it was discovered that a 40-ton truck, unregistered, was loaded with 600 bags of Kaolin and camouflaged with tarpaulin to appear as a shipment of cement.
The confiscated solid minerals, valued at N20,204,400, were extracted near a restricted area in Nando, Anambra East Local Government Area, and were being moved out of the state without the required waybill or license,” he stated.
Maku mentioned that illegal mining has been banned in Anambra State under the governance of Governor Chukwuma Soludo to curb revenue loss.
He reiterated that the NSCDC remains committed to scrutinizing and curbing illegal mining activities throughout the state.