Operatives of National Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC have arrested two suspects with truckload of alleged illegally mined solid mineral (Kaolin) in Anambra State.
The suspects identified as Madueke Akpuchukwu, 53, and Chimezie Ezenduka, 54 were arrested at Igbariam area of Anambra while conveying the 600 bags of solid Kaolin) without relevant permit.
The suspect allegedly covered the 600 bags of Kaolin with tarpaulin to disguise them as cement consignment.
The Commandant of NSCDC in Anambra, Olatunde Maku revealed this while parading the suspects on Wednesday in Awka.
According to him, they were arrested on Tuesday following credible intelligence.
Maku said his team arrested Madueke Akpuchukwu, 53, from Awomama in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State and Chimezie Ezenduka, 54, of No 4 Mekus Drive Federal Housing, Onitsha.
“Preliminary investigations showed that a 40-ton truck, with no registration number, was loaded with 600 bags of Kaolin and covered with tarpaulin to disguise as cement consignment.
“The solid minerals, valued at N20,204, 400, was excavated around a sealed site at Nando in Anambra East Local Government Area and being transported outside the state without waybill or licence,” he said.
Maku said that illegal mining had been prohibited in Anambra under Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration to block revenue leakage.
According to him, NSCDC will continue to check the activities of illegal mining across the state.
“The Corps will be unrelenting in discharging its core mandate of checkmating and flushing out illegal miners from the state.
“They should either relocate from the state or stop immediately before the long arm of the law catches up with them.
“These suspects will be arraigned in court at the end of ongoing investigations,” he said.
The Commandant urged residents to report illegal mining activities within their domains and unlawful mineral related practices and environmental degradation for prompt response.
One of the suspects, Akpuchukwu, admitted that he has been in the business of transporting Kaolin to companies for eight years without any certification as a licensed miner.
