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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Nigeria's NSCDC arrests three for illegal sand mining in Anambra

From The Punch · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Official statement Under investigation
  • The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State arrested three suspects for illegal sand mining.
  • The arrests were made at Obiaja River, a location known locally as 'mmiri mgbo,' along the Nnobi-Ideani Junction.
  • Recovered items include two tipper trucks, shovels, and a wheelbarrow, and the suspects have confessed to operating without authorization.

Authorities in Nigeria's Anambra State have arrested three individuals for allegedly engaging in illegal sand mining operations along the Obiaja River.

The suspects were apprehended by operatives from the state command's Mines and Steel Development Unit, in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer. The raid targeted a site popularly known as 'mmiri mgbo' near the Nnobi-Ideani Junction in the Idemili South Local Government Area.

On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at about 14:07 hours, the command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit, in collaboration with the Office of the Federal Mines Officer, Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, 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.

— Maku OlatundeDetailing the operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.

State Commandant Maku Olatunde stated that the operation reflects the command's commitment to curbing unregulated mining and protecting the state's mineral resources from exploitation. The arrested individuals have been identified as Patrick Anpue, Chidubem Ugammadu, and Chukwuma Igwe, all residents of nearby villages.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include two tippers with registration numbers XA 653 GBZ and GDD 423 XB, six shovels and one wheelbarrow used for excavation.

— Maku OlatundeListing the items seized during the illegal mining operation.

During the operation, the NSCDC recovered two tipper trucks, six shovels, and one wheelbarrow, which were allegedly used for the excavation of sharp sand. The suspects have reportedly confessed to conducting mining activities at the site without the necessary authorization or legal documentation from relevant government bodies.

Olatunde reiterated the NSCDC's dedication to safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure, including solid minerals. He warned that individuals and groups involved in illegal sand mining activities would face severe legal consequences and urged the public to report any suspected illegal mining operations to the corps.

The suspects have confessed to carrying out mining activities at the site without authorisation or legal documentation from relevant authorities.

— Maku OlatundeConfirming the suspects' admission of guilt.
About this summary

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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