The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested six suspected illegal miners in Anambra State.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Olatunde Maku, told journalists on Thursday in Awka the suspects were arrested at Odele, Aguleri Anambra East Local Government Area of the state.
He said the operation was carried out in collaboration with Federal Mines Officers of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in charge of Anambra, following credible information.
He listed the suspects as Udoka Nwankwo (25), Amaka Samuel (18), Onyi Ijeoma (45), Chimezie Aniefuna (25), Chinaza Omiba (18), and a Chinese National, Babajeje David (47).
Maku said: “In our determination to discharge our statutory mandate in sanitising the mining sector, we cracked down on these illegal miners.
“The suspects were caught operating illegal sand and laterite mining sites without obtaining a licence that permits them to operate.
“They were mining without paying surface rents and haulage fees to the state government and royalties to the Federal Government which is contrary to Section 33 of Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act 2027.
“They were siphoning the nation’s resources and causing revenue losses to the Federal Government.”
The commandant said the suspects would be charged after the investigations.