Illegal Miners Flee, Abandon Equipment as NSCDC Seals Two Anambra Sites

By Praise Chinecherem

Illegal miners took to their heels and disappeared into nearby bushes, leaving their equipment behind, as the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) stormed and sealed two suspected illegal mining sites in Anambra State.

The enforcement operation targeted mining sites at Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area and Iyienu, Ogidi, in Idemili North LGA, where authorities said operators were working without valid permits.

The NSCDC operation was carried out alongside the Federal Mines Officer, Anambra State, of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, following intelligence gathering and surveillance on the mining activities.

SC Okadigbo Edwin, Head of Media and Tactical Operations, who spoke on behalf of State Commandant Maku Olatunde, said the Corps had investigated the sites before moving in.

“On sighting the enforcement team, the suspected illegal miners abandoned their equipment and fled into the nearby bushes,” Okadigbo said.

He said the Mines and Solid Minerals Development Unit, led by Assistant Commandant of Corps Ochie Paul, worked with the Federal Mines Officer, Engr. Edet Anthony, during the investigation and raid.

At the Atani sharp-sand mining site, which was raided at about 1:04 p.m., operatives recovered a long shovel, two 25-litre gallons of gasoline, an excavator battery and four litres of power steering oil.

At Iyienu, Ogidi, where the team arrived at about 4:45 p.m., officers recovered four shovels, two sledge hammers, a cutlass, three rakes, four hand hammers, two chisels and a small sieve.

Both sites were subsequently sealed.

Okadigbo warned that escaping during raids would not save illegal miners from the law.

“Attempts to flee during enforcement raids will not shield illegal miners from eventual arrest and prosecution,” he said.

He said the operation was part of the Corps’ wider effort to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources, curb environmental degradation and safeguard communities and public infrastructure from the consequences of unregulated mining.

“The government will no longer tolerate activities that undermine the growth and development of Nigeria’s mining sector, degrade the environment and threaten public infrastructure,” Okadigbo said.

He commended the joint enforcement team for its professionalism and determination, noting that unchecked mining had contributed to land degradation and heightened erosion risks in affected communities.

#