Chinese National and Five Others Arrested for Illegal Mining in Anambra

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, in collaboration with the Federal Mines Office, has arrested six suspects, including a Chinese national, over alleged illegal mining activities in the state.

The arrests were made following a tip-off about the suspects operating at an unlicensed mining site in Odele Aguleri, Anambra East Local Government Area. SC Edwin Okadigbo, the command’s spokesperson, shared the details in a statement on Thursday, December 5.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Udoka Nwankwo (25), Amaka Samuel (18), Onyi Ijeoma (45), Chimezie Aniefuna (25), Chinaza Omrba (18), and the Chinese national known only as “Babajeje” (47).

Okadigbo emphasized that these arrests are part of ongoing efforts to clean up the mining sector and prevent revenue losses to the Federal Government.

“The suspects were apprehended for mining without valid licences, failing to pay surface rents and haulage fees to the state government, and evading royalties due to the Federal Government, in violation of Section 33 of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act,” the statement read.

The State Commandant, Olatunde Maku, reaffirmed the NSCDC’s dedication to combating illegal mining, calling the practice a serious threat to the nation’s economy.