NSCDC arrests 12 illegal miners, impounds six trucks

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Akwa Ibom Command has apprehended 12 illegal miners and impounded six trucks used for the operations.

The State Commandant of NSCDC, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this to newsmen in a press briefing at the command’s headquarters in Uyo on Wednesday.

Eluwade said the illegal miners were apprehended by NSCDC operatives in Abak and Itu Local Government Areas of the state.

He said the activities of illegal miners have impacted negatively on the environment and would not be allowed to continue.

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023, we went out on routine operations to perform our mandate of protection of lives and property of Government.

“Most of these mining sites are government property and we made to know we have more than enough illegal miners here in Akwa Ibom State. 

“As part of our activities to streamline the activities of miners in the state, and also to ensure only legal miners are allowed to work on mining sites.

“Also, to make sure dues and royalties are paid to the Government, that made us go out yesterday, Tuesday and we arrested 12 illegal miners and also impounded six trucks,” Eluwade said.

Eluwade stated that activities of illegal miners in the state have exposed part of the environment to erosion and flooding, stressing that the command would not allow the practice to continue.

He said, “With these activities, we are trying to make our environments are kept well”.

The commandant stated that the operations would be continuous to eliminate all illegal miners from the state and allowed only licensed ones to operate.

He warned illegal miners to flee from the state as the place was no longer safe for their illegal operations, as anyone caught would be made to face the full wrath of the law.