The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC) Anambra State Command, has arrested three suspects for alleged illegal mining of sharp sand at Obiaja River along the Nnobi- Ideani Junction- Uke Road in Idemili South Local Government Area.
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, 26th August 2026 at the State Command Headquarters Awka, the State Commandant, Maku Olatunde said the arrest was made by operatives of the Command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit, in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer in Anambra State, Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.
He stated that the Command’s determination to curb unregulated mining and protect mineral resources from exploitation by unlicensed operators led to the raid of mmiri Obiaja popularly known as mmiri mgbo Obiaja Nnobi in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State.
“On Wednesday, 26th August 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.
“The following suspects, one Mr.Patrick Anpue, male, aged 45, of Umuagu Village Nnobi in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State, Chidubem Ugammadu, male, aged 44, of Urumkpu Village, Umuoji in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State and Chukwuma Igwe, male, aged 47, of Umuanocha Village, Awka-Etiti in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State were arrested at the site” he added.
The State Commandant said the operation underscored the Command’s ongoing efforts to clamp down on unregulated mining in the state, named the exhibits recovered from the suspects to include two tippers with registration numbers XA 653 GBZ and GDD 423 XB,Six shovels and One wheelbarrow used for excavation.
Commandant Maku disclosed that the suspects have confessed to carrying out mining activities at the site without authorization or legal documentation from relevant authorities.
He further stated that investigation is ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation.
The State Commandant reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting Critical National Assets and Infrastructure, including solid minerals, in line with its core mandate. He warned individuals and groups engaged in illegal sand mining or related activities in violation of environmental laws to desist or face the full wrath of the law.
The NSCDC State helmsman encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases of illegal sand mining to the NSCDC for necessary action.
