Three Arrested for Illegal Sand Mining in Anambra

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State has arrested three men for illegal mining of sharp sand. This happened at Obiaja River along the Nnobi-Ideani Junction, Uke Road in Idemili South Local Government Area.

During a media briefing on Wednesday at the State Command Headquarters in Awka, State Commandant Maku Olatunde shared details of the arrests. The operation was carried out by the command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit, working with the Federal Mines Officer in the state.

Olatunde said the command is determined to stop unregulated mining and protect mineral resources. This led to the raid on the location.

He explained, "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.

The suspects are Patrick Anpue, 45, from Umuagu Village, Nnobi; Chidubem Ugammadu, 44, from Urumkpu Village, Umuoji; and Chukwuma Igwe, 47, from Umuanocha Village, Awka-Etiti, all in Anambra State.

Olatunde said the operation shows the command's ongoing efforts to deal with illegal mining in the state. He added, "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.

The suspects have admitted to mining at the site without permission or legal papers from the relevant authorities. The investigation is still ongoing, and the suspects will face court charges once it is complete.

He reaffirmed the corps' commitment to protecting important national resources, including solid minerals, as part of its main duties. He warned anyone involved in illegal sand mining to stop or face the law's full consequences.

Olatunde also urged the public to stay alert and report any suspected illegal sand mining activities to the NSCDC for action.