A 47 year old Chinese man known as ‘Babajeje’ alongside five other Nigerians whose names are 25 year old Udoka Nwankwo, 18 year old Amaka Samuel, 45 year old Onyi Ijeoma, 25 year old Chimezie Aniefuna and 18 year old Chinaza Omrba have been arrested for illegal mining in Odele Aguleri, in Anambra East Local Government Area (LGA), Anambra, by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The state’s spokesperson of the NSCDC, Edwin Okadigbo, confirmed the arrests via a statement on Thursday, December 5.
He noted that the action followed a tip-off regarding the suspects’ operations at an unlicensed mining site in Odele Aguleri, located in the Anambra East LGA.
Okadigbo stated that the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to clean up the mining sector and prevent revenue losses to the Federal Government (FG).
The statement read, “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 state’s Commandant, Olatunde Maku, reaffirmed the NSCDC’s dedication to combating illegal mining, calling it a major threat to the nation’s economy.
The Federal Mines Officer for Anambra, Henry Bolarinwa, stressed the importance for miners to secure proper licenses and adhere to the necessary procedures.
He said, “Illegal mining deprives the government of revenue and causes environmental hazards.
“We advise prospective miners to request evidence of licenses from mining site operators and ensure royalty payments are made to the government.”
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