Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Anambra State Command, have arrested three suspected illegal miners and impounded two tippers during a raid on an unauthorised sharp-sand mining site in Idemili South Local Government Area.
The operation was conducted on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Mmiri Obiaja, popularly known as Mmiri Mgbo Obiaja Nnobi, along the Nnobi–Ideani Junction–Uke Road.
The NSCDC Mines and Steel Development Unit carried out the operation in collaboration with the Office of the Federal Mines Officer of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, following credible intelligence on illegal mining activities at the site.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Maku Olatunde, who confirmed the arrests in a statement, said the operation was part of intensified efforts to curb the illegal exploitation of mineral resources in Anambra State.
The three suspects were identified as Patrick Anpue, 45; Chidubem Ugammadu, 44; and Chukwuma Igwe, 47.
The Corps also recovered two tippers with registration numbers XA 653 GBZ and GDD 423 XB, alongside six shovels and a wheelbarrow allegedly used for excavating and transporting the sand.
According to the NSCDC, the suspects admitted to carrying out mining activities at the location without the required authorisation or legal documentation.
Commandant Maku said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
He reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting Nigeria’s critical national assets and infrastructure, including the country’s solid mineral resources.
The NSCDC Commandant warned individuals and businesses involved in illegal mining to desist from the practice, stressing that offenders would face the full weight of the law.
He also urged members of the public to report suspected cases of illegal mining to security agencies to enable prompt intervention.
