NSCDC arrests ten suspected illegal miners in Abia
The Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested ten (10) suspects for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities at different mining sites in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.
The suspects were arrested Friday at about 12:15 pm.
Parading the suspects in Umuahia, the State Commandant Usman Ishaq Alfadarai, said the arrest was made in strict compliance to the directives of the Commandant General of NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to end the activities of illegal miners in all mining sites across the country.
According to Commandant Alfadarai, “the activities of the illegal miners constitute serious economic sabotage to our nation and must not be allowed to continue.
“Beyond the negative consequences of their activities on the nation’s economy, the adverse effects on the environment and residents raise even greater concerns and we are poised to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to checkmate these unwholesome practices.”
Speaking further, the Abia NSCDC boss said “The Command recently profiled the mining sites in Abia with a view to identifying the approved mining sites, get details of licensed miners and enforce compliance to global best practices in the sector.
“This arrest today is a strong statement to those illegal miners that it’s no longer business as usual.”
He seized the opportunity to advise stakeholders in the mining sector to ensure that they operate with valid license and approved mining sites, adding that the warning had become necessary to block the revenue losses and prevent environmental hazards associated with illegal mining activities.
The NSCDC State Commandant further assured that the suspects who were arrested at the mining site at Azumiri Umuezeama in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State would be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction upon conclusion of investigations.
He assured that the federal government agency was committed to a crime-free society.
Items recovered from them include one truck with reg no. AAH 631XA, shovels, product samples, and head pans.
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