The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has arrested three suspects over alleged illegal mining of sharp sand at Obiaja River along the Nnobi–Ideani Junction, Uke Road, in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, disclosed this during a media briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka on Wednesday.
Olatunde said operatives of the command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit, working with the Federal Mines Officer in Anambra, raided the mining site following credible intelligence.
He identified the suspects as Patrick Anpue, 45, of Umuagu Village, Nnobi; Chidubem Ugammadu, 44, of Urumkpu Village, Umuoji; and Chukwuma Igwe, 47, of Umuanocha Village, Awka-Etiti.
According to the commandant, the suspects were arrested on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at about 2:07 p.m. while allegedly carrying out mining activities at the site without the required authorisation or legal documentation.
Items recovered during the operation included two tippers with registration numbers XA 653 GBZ and GDD 423 XB, six shovels and a wheelbarrow allegedly used for excavation.
“The suspects have confessed to carrying out mining activities at the site without authorisation or legal documentation from relevant authorities. Investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation,” Olatunde said.
He said the operation was part of the command’s ongoing efforts to curb unregulated mining and protect the state’s mineral resources from exploitation by unlicensed operators.
Olatunde reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, including solid minerals, in line with its mandate.
He warned individuals and groups involved in illegal sand mining and related activities to desist or face the full consequences of the law.
The commandant also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of illegal mining to the NSCDC for appropriate action.
