The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Anambra State Command, has arrested three suspects over alleged illegal mining of sharp sand in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
Operatives from the command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit made the arrests at Obiaja River, along the Nnobi-Ideani Junction, Uke Road.
The operation took place on Wednesday in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer in Anambra.
The State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, disclosed this during a media briefing at the command headquarters in Awka.
Three Suspects Arrested
Olatunde said the operatives acted on credible intelligence before raiding the mining site.
He identified the location as “Mmiri Obiaja”, popularly known as “mmiri mgbo” Obiaja Nnobi.
According to him, the operation began at about 2:07pm on August 26, 2026.
The suspects arrested at the site are Patrick Anpue, 45, of Umuagu Village, Nnobi; Chidubem Ugammadu, 44, of Urumkpu Village, Umuoji; and Chukwuma Igwe, 47, of Umuanocha Village, Awka-Etiti.
All three suspects are from communities within Anambra State.
Exhibits Recovered
Olatunde said the operatives recovered equipment allegedly used for the illegal mining activities.
The exhibits include two tippers with registration numbers XA 653 GBZ and GDD 423 XB.
Six shovels and one wheelbarrow were also recovered from the site.
“The suspects have confessed to carrying out mining activities at the site without authorisation or legal documentation from relevant authorities,” Olatunde said.
He added that investigation into the case was ongoing.
The suspects will face prosecution after investigators complete their work.
NSCDC Warns Illegal Miners
Olatunde said the operation formed part of the command’s efforts to stop unregulated mining across Anambra.
He reiterated the corps’ commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, including the country’s solid mineral resources.
The commandant warned individuals and groups involved in illegal sand mining to stop the practice or face legal action.
He also urged residents to report suspected cases of illegal mining to the NSCDC.
