NSCDC arrests 11 illegal miners, impounds three trucks

Akpan Umoh, Uyo

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom Command has arrested 11 illegal miners and impounded three tippers used in carrying out illegal mining activities in Afaha Ikot Osom, Ibesikpo Local Government Area.

The State Commandant, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the Command’s headquarters in Uyo on Friday.

Eluwade said that based on complaints of severe environmental degradation stemming from mining and excavation activities in the location, the command on Jan.10 deployed operatives to the site, who promptly arrested the suspects.

“The Akwa Ibom State Command of NSCDC has arrested 11 suspects and impounded three tipper trucks for carrying out illegal mining activities in Afaha Ikot Osom, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA to the detriment of the environment.

“Following complaints of severe environmental degradation stemming from mining and excavation activities in the location.

“On January 10, 2024, deployed personnel of the corps to the site who arrested 11 suspects and impounded three tippers, generator, shovels, wheelbarrows and other materials used in excavating sand,” Eluwade said.

Eluwade decried the level of damage done to the environment by miners, especially those operating without a Mineral License.

He added that a directive had been given severally for work to stop on the site when it was discovered that it posed a danger to houses and public/critical infrastructure in the area, but the perpetrators refused to comply.

He called on illegal miners to regularise their operations by obtaining a license from the Federal Mines Office.

The state commandant admonished licensed miners to consider the environment when excavating sands and other earth materials.

“I want to state that mining should be carried out by licensed persons on lands/sites that are duly approved to be suitable and should be done within an environment-friendly framework as approved.

“Our office has received lots of complaints from citizens over the potential dangers posed by extreme dredging and excavation of sand, granite and gravel, and the possibility of erosion and sinkholes around people’s homes,” he said.

Eluwade appealed to stakeholders in the mining sector to carry out their activities responsibly to protect the environment.

The state commandant said that more sensitisation will be done in partnership with legal miners in the state to deter illegal mining.

He said that the suspects would be charged in court as soon as investigations are concluded.