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A Chinese national and five other individuals were arrested in Anambra State for engaging in illegal mining activities. The suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in collaboration with the Federal Mines Office.
The operation took place following a tip-off regarding unauthorized mining at a site in Odele Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area. The arrested suspects were identified as 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.
NSCDC spokesperson, SC Edwin Okadigbo, confirmed the arrests and stated that the operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and prevent significant revenue losses for the Nigerian government. The suspects were arrested for engaging in mining without valid licenses, evading royalty payments, and failing to pay required surface rents and haulage fees to the state, in violation of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act.
NSCDC State Commandant, Olatunde Maku, emphasized that illegal mining poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s economy. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to addressing this issue.
Henry Bolarinwa, the Federal Mines Officer for Anambra, urged miners to comply with legal processes by obtaining proper licenses and paying royalties. He warned that illegal mining deprives the government of vital revenue and causes significant environmental damage.
