The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Anambra State has successfully raided an illegal mining site in Ifite-Ogwari community, Ayamelum Local Government Area, and confiscated a sand dredging machine along with several other mining tools.
The operation, carried out on May 30, 2025, forms part of the agency’s intensified crackdown on unregulated mining activities across the state.
Speaking to journalists in Awka on Monday, the state Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Olatunde Maku, confirmed the raid and disclosed that the action was driven by actionable intelligence pointing to unauthorized sand mining at the Omambala River site.
According to Maku, the operation was conducted by the NSCDC’s Mines and Steel Development Unit in collaboration with Mr Edet Oku, the Federal Mines Officer in the state.
The team swooped in on the suspected site early in the morning, only for all illegal miners to flee upon sighting the officials, abandoning their equipment in haste.
Recovered from the scene were one industrial dredger, two dredging engine pumps, 18 industrial drums, five suction pipes, eight plastic discharge pipes, three jerry cans, one large plastic bucket, and a funnel. The site has since been sealed off, while a full-scale manhunt for the fleeing suspects has commenced.
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Initial investigations revealed that the site was originally licensed to a certain Mr. Ike Nweke of Trillike Investment Ltd for legal mining operations.
However, according to Maku, the site was overtaken by unauthorized operators who illegally carried out sand dredging activities, violating federal mining laws and bypassing regulatory oversight.
“The NSCDC is not only committed to protecting the mineral resources of the country but also determined to defend the rights of legitimate license holders. By shutting down illegal operations, we are preventing economic sabotage, environmental degradation, and significant revenue loss to the government,” Maku stated.
He emphasized that the current operation sends a strong signal to illegal miners, adding that full investigations are ongoing to determine the scope of the unauthorized activities and to identify all individuals or groups involved.
“Those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law. We encourage members of the public to share useful information that can help us clamp down on further illegal mining activities in the state,” he added.
The commandant reiterated that illegal mining not only poses economic threats but also leads to environmental hazards, including erosion and contamination of water bodies.
He said the NSCDC will continue to partner with federal agencies and local stakeholders to uphold mining regulations and support sustainable practices.
The NSCDC also appealed to prospective miners to undergo proper registration and acquire the necessary licenses before commencing any form of mineral exploration or extraction.
Maku assured that the corps will intensify surveillance across riverine and mineral-rich areas to curb unlawful exploitation.
NAN
