The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has raided an illegal sand mining site at the Omambala River in Ifite-Ogwari, Ayamelum Local Government Area of the state.
The NSCDC seized several items during the raid, including one dredger, two dredging engine pumps, eighteen drums, five suction pipes, eight plastic discharge pipes, three 25-litre jerrycans, one plastic bucket, and one funnel.
The State Commandant of the NSCDC, Maku Olatunde, disclosed this at the Command’s headquarters in Awka on June 1.
In a statement issued by Superintendent of Corps, SC Okadigbo Edwin, the Head of Media and Tactical Operations at the Command, Olatunde revealed that the operation was conducted by the Command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit (MSD) in collaboration with the newly deployed Anambra State Federal Mines Officer; Engr. Edet Anthony Oku.
The Commandant stated that the operation was based on credible intelligence suggesting illegal mining activities at the site.
“On Friday, May 30, 2025 at about 13:05 hours, the command swooped in on an Illegal mining site located at Omambala River Ifite-Ogwari in Ayamelum Local Government Area of the state. As the team approached the site, all the suspected illegal miners fled the scene, leaving behind some of their mining equipments,” he said.
According to him, the illegal mining site has been sealed, and a manhunt has been launched for the fleeing suspects.
He continued: “Preliminary investigation suggests that the site with licenced mining title reportedly held by one Hon. Ike Nweke of Messrs. Trillike Investment Ltd had been overtaken by unauthorised miners allegedly led by one Mr. Uche Joshua Okafor, who is currently at large.
“As part of our mandate, we are duty-bound to safeguard the interests of legitimate title holders by sealing off illegal mining sites and facilitating the lawful operations of verified title holders. By doing so, we prevent revenue loss, environmental degradation, and promote sustainability in the sector.”
The Anambra NSCDC boss emphasised that the command has launched a thorough investigation to uncover the full extent of the fleeing suspects’ criminal activities, including identifying those aiding and abetting the illicit operations.
He noted that those found culpable would be formally charged in court to face the consequences of their actions upon conclusion of the investigation.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law and protecting the nation’s solid mineral resources, warning perpetrators of illegal mining to desist forthwith or face the full weight of the law.
