NSCDC ARRESTS SUSPECTED ILLEGAL MINERS IN ABIA

REPORTER: LAWRENCE NWOKEDI

Ten suspected illegal miners are now in the custody of the Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Abia State command.

Parading the suspects in Umuahia, the State Commandant of the Corps, Mr. Usman Alfadarai, said the arrest was made in strict compliance to the directives of the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Audi, to end the activities of illegal miners in all mining sites across the country.

According to the Commandant, the activities of the illegal miners constitute serious economic sabotage to the nation and must not be allowed to continue.

The NSCDC boss used the opportunity to advise stakeholders in the Sector to ensure that they operate with valid license and approved mining sites.

He added that the warning had become necessary to block the revenue loses and prevent environmental hazards associated with illegal mining activities.

Mr. Alfadarai assured that the suspects, who were arrested at the mining site in Azumiri Umuezeama in Umuahia North Local Government Area of the state would soon be arriagned in court after the conclusion of investigations.

In an interview, one of the suspects, Friday Eze from Ifite Ude Ofeme in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, confessed to have been involved in the illegal mining activities in the area.

Items allegedly recovered from the suspects included one truck with registration number AAH 631XA, shovels, product samples and head pans.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU