ILLEGAL MINERS FLEE ANAMBRA SITES AS NSCDC LAUNCHES FRESH CRACKDOWN

Suspected illegal miners abandoned their equipment and fled after operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps raided two mining sites in Anambra State.

The NSCDC Anambra State Command sealed the sites located at Atani in Ogbaru Local Government Area and another location in the state as part of intensified efforts to tackle illegal mining activities.

The operation was carried out by personnel of the Corps’ Mines and Steel Development Unit following intelligence on suspected unauthorised mining activities at the locations.

According to the report, the miners fled into nearby areas when they noticed the arrival of the security operatives, leaving behind equipment used for their activities.

The NSCDC subsequently sealed the affected sites to prevent the suspected operators from returning and continuing their operations.

The command said the action was part of its ongoing efforts to protect Nigeria’s mineral resources, curb environmental degradation and ensure that mining activities are carried out in accordance with the law.

Illegal mining has remained a major concern in several parts of the country due to its impact on the environment, including the destruction of farmland, pollution of water sources and degradation of land.

The NSCDC has continued to intensify its monitoring of mining locations across Anambra, working with relevant government agencies to identify and shut down illegal operations.

The latest operation is also expected to support efforts to protect legitimate mining operators and ensure that individuals involved in unauthorised exploitation of mineral resources are brought to justice.

The Corps warned those involved in illegal mining to desist from the practice, stressing that security agencies would continue to conduct operations against activities capable of damaging the environment and depriving government of legitimate revenue.

Investigations are expected to continue as authorities work to identify the fleeing operators and determine the full extent of activities carried out at the sealed mining sites.