NSCDC Raids Illegal Mining Site in Anambra, Arrests 3, Seizes 2 Tippers

By Praise Chinecherem

Three suspected illegal miners have been arrested and two tippers impounded after operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, raided an illegal sharp-sand mining site along the Obiaja River in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects were apprehended during a joint operation targeting unregulated mining activities at Mmiri Obiaja, popularly known as Mmiri Mgbo Obiaja Nnobi, along the Nnobi–Ideani Junction–Uke Road.

The operation, which took place at about 2:07 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, was carried out by the NSCDC Mines and Steel Development Unit in collaboration with the Office of the Federal Mines Officer, Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, following credible intelligence.

State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Maku Olatunde, who disclosed the development in a statement, said the operation was part of the Command’s intensified efforts to prevent the illegal exploitation of the state’s mineral resources.

He said, “The Command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit, in collaboration with the Office of the Federal Mines Officer, acting on credible intelligence, raided Mmiri Obiaja, popularly known as Mmiri Mgbo Obiaja Nnobi, and arrested three suspects engaged in illegal mining of sharp sand at the river.”

The suspects were identified 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 NSCDC, all three suspects were arrested at the mining site.

The operation also yielded two tippers with registration numbers XA 653 GBZ and GDD 423 XB, six shovels and one wheelbarrow, which the Corps said were being used for excavation and transportation of the sand.

Maku said the suspects had confessed to engaging in mining activities at the site without the required authorisation or legal documentation from the relevant authorities.

He added that they would be charged to court after the completion of investigations.

The Commandant reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, including the country’s solid mineral resources, in line with its statutory responsibilities.

Maku warned individuals, businesses and groups involved in illegal sand mining and other unauthorised mining activities to desist, stressing that violators would face the full weight of the law.

He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of illegal mining to the NSCDC for prompt intervention.

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