The Clampdown on Illegal Sand Mining in Anambra State: A Detailed Account
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, launched a decisive operation against illegal sand mining activities at Omambala River, Ifite-Ogwari, within the Ayamelum Local Government Area. This operation, executed on Friday, May 30, 2025, stemmed from credible intelligence reports pointing towards illicit mining operations in the area. The Mines and Steel Development Unit of the command, collaborating with the newly appointed Anambra State Federal Mines Officer, Edet Oku, spearheaded the raid, leading to the sealing of the illegal site and the initiation of a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.
State Commandant Maku Olatunde, addressing the media at the command headquarters in Awka on Monday, elaborated on the successful operation. He detailed the seizure of various equipment from the abandoned site, including a dredger, two dredging engine pumps, 18 drums, five suction pipes, eight plastic discharge pipes, three 25-litre jerry cans, a plastic bucket, and a funnel. These items serve as evidence of the extensive illegal mining operation that was underway.
Initial investigations revealed a complex scenario surrounding the site’s ownership and operation. While the mining license was reportedly held by Ike Nweke of Messrs Trillike Investment Ltd, unauthorized miners, allegedly under the leadership of one Uche Joshua Okafor, had taken control of the operations. Okafor, currently at large, has become a key target in the ongoing investigation. This highlights a common challenge in the mining sector where licensed operations are overtaken by illegal actors, undermining legitimate businesses and government revenue collection efforts.
The NSCDC’s intervention served a dual purpose: protecting the interests of the legitimate title holder, Ike Nweke, and preventing further environmental degradation and revenue loss resulting from the illegal activities. By sealing off the site, the NSCDC aims to restore order and facilitate the lawful resumption of mining operations by the rightful license holder. This action underlines the NSCDC’s commitment to promoting sustainable mining practices and safeguarding the environment.
The ongoing investigation seeks to unravel the full scope of the illegal operation, including identifying and apprehending all individuals involved, including those who aided and abetted the illegal miners. Commandant Olatunde reiterated the NSCDC’s determination to bring all culprits to justice. Upon completion of the investigation, those found culpable will face prosecution, sending a strong message of deterrence to others engaging in similar illicit activities.
The NSCDC’s actions reflect a broader national effort to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s valuable solid mineral resources. This operation serves as a clear warning to individuals involved in illegal mining that their actions will not be tolerated. The command’s commitment to upholding the law and safeguarding the nation’s resources is evident in its proactive approach to identifying and dismantling illegal mining operations, contributing to a more secure and sustainable mining sector in Anambra State and across Nigeria. The forceful response to this specific incident serves as a deterrent and reinforces the NSCDC’s dedication to maintaining order and protecting national assets. This commitment includes collaborating with other agencies, enhancing intelligence gathering, and pursuing a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal mining activities. The ultimate goal is to foster a responsible and regulated mining sector that benefits both the economy and the environment.
The incident at Omambala River underscores the challenges faced in regulating the mining sector and emphasizes the need for continuous vigilance and robust enforcement. The NSCDC’s swift action in this case demonstrates its commitment to addressing these challenges head-on and ensuring the sustainable and legal utilization of Nigeria’s mineral resources. Through these efforts, the NSCDC contributes not only to economic stability but also to the protection of the environment and the preservation of resources for future generations. The pursuit of the fleeing suspects continues, demonstrating the NSCDC’s unwavering dedication to bringing all those responsible to justice. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in illegal mining and reinforces the importance of adherence to the rule of law in the mining sector.
