Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia State Command, have apprehended 10 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities, as announced by the state Commandant, Usman Alfadarai, during a press briefing in Umuahia on Thursday.
According to Alfadarai, the arrests, which took place on February 16, 2024, were executed in line with directives from the Commandant General, Ahmed Abububakar, aimed at curbing the scourge of illegal mining across the nation. Alfadarai emphasized the detrimental impact of such activities, labeling them as “economic sabotage to the nation.”
“The command recently profiled the mining sites in Abia with a view to identifying the approved mining sites, got details of licensed miners and enforced compliance to global best practices in the sector,” Alfadarai stated.
He highlighted the dual consequences of illegal mining, stressing not only the economic ramifications but also the severe environmental and societal implications that arise from unchecked mining activities. “Beyond the negative consequences of their activities on the nation’s economy, the adverse effects on the environment and residents raise greater concerns,” he added.
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The suspects were arrested at different mining sites within Umuahia, the capital of Abia State. Items confiscated from them included a truck with the license plate AAH 631XA, shovels, product samples, and head pans, indicative of their alleged involvement in illicit mining operations.
“These arrests are strong signals to those illegal miners that it’s no longer business as usual,” Alfadarai warned, underscoring the resolve of the NSCDC to clamp down on unauthorized mining activities. He urged stakeholders in the mining sector to adhere strictly to regulatory protocols, emphasizing the necessity of valid licenses and operating within approved mining sites.
Alfadarai reiterated the commitment of the NSCDC to thorough investigations, assuring the public that the suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with the law. “We assure all that the suspects arrested would be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction upon conclusion of investigations,” he affirmed.
