Pix: NSCDC CG, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has raided illegal sand mining sites at Omambala River, Ifite-Ogwari Local Government Area.

Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said at the command’s headquarters, Awka, the state capital that the operation was conducted by the Mines and Steel  Development Unit (MSD) of the command, in collaboration with the new state Federal Mines Officer; Edet Anthony Oku.

He said during the raid the suspected illegal miners fled, leaving behind some of their equipment.

The NSCDC operatives recovered one dredger, two dredging engine pumps, 18 drums, five suction pipes, eight plastic discharge pipes, three jerrycans (25L), one plastic bucket and one funnel.

Maku added the site with a licenced mining title reportedly held by Ike Nweke of Messrs. Trillike Investment Limited had been overtaken by unauthorised miners allegedly led by one Mr. Uche Joshua Okafor.

He said they would seal the illegal mining sites and facilitate the lawful operations of verified title holders.