The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said its operatives apprehended 34 people for allegedly carrying out illegal mining activities in the Rumuokarali/Rumaulogu community in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Also, the Corps reported the apprehension of an individual by the name of ‘Daniel Mathew,’ who was detained on charges of enticing a 15-year-old girl to a hotel in China, near Port Harcourt, and allegedly tried to defile her.
Basil Igwebueze, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Rivers State, paraded the suspects before journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He said that the arrests were made possible through credible intelligence and the joint efforts of the NSCDC’s Solid Minerals Unit, the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel, and the Ministerial Task Force on Illegal Mining.
Igwebueze said that the operation was carried out by a joint team of operatives from the NSCDC, the EFCC, the DSS, the Nigerian Police, and the NIS.
He said that the NSCDC and the other agencies quickly responded and arrested the suspects while they were in the act of carrying out the illegal mining.
Commandant Igwebueze stated, “With the collaborative efforts of our men, the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel, and the Ministerial Task Force on illegal mining which includes the EFCC NSCDC, DSS, Nigeria Police, and Immigration Service, the 34 suspects were caught in the act of dredging sharp sands illegally thereby causing environmental degradation in the area and three dredging machines were retrieved at the crime scene.”
“In addition, a Chinese man was sighted at the scene of the crime as information revealed that he is notorious for engaging in illegal mining activities.”
“He however escaped through the back gate of a nearby Hotel in Choba, Obio/Akpo Local Government Area.”
“While tracing the suspect, our personnel heard the cry of a young lady who said her sister aged 15 had been lured into one of the hotel rooms.”
“After a thorough search, our men were able to rescue the 15-year-old girl from the hand of one Mr. Daniel Mathew who is now in custody and currently under interrogation.”
The state commandant said that thorough investigations would be conducted to determine the level of involvement of each suspect before they are charged in court.
Igwebueze urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities or criminal acts in their communities to the NSCDC or other security agencies so that they can take swift action.
The state NSCDC Commandant gave the assurance that any information provided by residents would be kept strictly confidential saying, “If you see something please say something.”