The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) said it had arrested three suspected illegal sand excavators at a quarry in Nsugbe, Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra.
Mr Godwin Omoreigie, the state commandant of NSCDC made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Awka on Tuesday.
Mr Omoreigie said that the arrest followed series of complaints by officials of the Federal Ministry of Solid Development, Abuja and a licensed company, Konaza Oil and Gas ltd about the illegal mining.
“The activities of illegal miners were becoming rampant in the state.
“We receive complaints from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development that a staff was beaten up by some illegal miners along the riverside in Onitsha when he inquired into their activities.
“On March 9, we mobilised about 20 armed NSCDC officials to Nsugbe and Otuocha along Omambala/Anambra river in Anambra East local government area where we arrested three suspected illegal miners.
“The arrest is to deter other unlicensed miners from excavating sands,” he said, warning that the organisation had launched a special operation to arrest defaulters across the state.
Omoreigie, who refused to give out the names of the suspects, explained that investigations were still ongoing to arrest more culprits.
According to him, the offence of illegal mining and encroachment attracts N20 million fine or eight years jail term if found culpable by the courts.
The commandant also disclosed that the organisation achieved another feat with the seizure of badge loaded with 100 barrels of crude oil along the Onitsha riverine area in September, 2015.
“The vandals moving through the River Niger from the Delta axis were intercepted around Onitsha.
“They tried to resist by shooting but they fled and we succeeded in retrieving the badge loaded with 100 barrels of crude oil.
“The command later set ablaze the substance because we did not have the facility to protect or bring them to shore,” he noted.
The commandant, therefore, urged the Federal Government to provide the command with speed boats, patrol vans and training of officers to enable the agency carry out its duty effectively.
Omoreigie further assured the people of the state that the command was working hard to ensure that filling stations with petroleum products do not hoard them.
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