The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has arrested three people over alleged illegal sharp-sand mining at Obiaja River along the Nnobi-Ideani Junction, Uke Road, in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were arrested during an operation carried out by the command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer in Anambra.
Speaking at a media briefing at the command’s headquarters in Awka on Wednesday, the State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the operation was part of efforts to stop unregulated mining and protect the state’s mineral resources from exploitation by unauthorised operators.
He said, “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 arrested suspects were identified as Patrick Anpue, 45, from Umuagu Village, Nnobi; Chidubem Ugammadu, 44, from Urumkpu Village, Umuoji; and Chukwuma Igwe, 47, from Umuanocha Village, Awka-Etiti.
According to Olatunde, all three suspects were apprehended at the mining site.
He said the operation demonstrated the command’s continued efforts to tackle illegal and unregulated mining activities across Anambra State.
“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 confessed to carrying out mining activities at the site without authorisation or legal documentation from relevant authorities. Investigation is ongoing, and the suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation,” he added.
Olatunde reaffirmed the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, including solid mineral resources, in accordance with its mandate.
He warned individuals and groups involved in illegal sand mining to stop the practice or risk prosecution under the law.
The commandant also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of illegal mining to the NSCDC for prompt action.