Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has detained six persons over alleged illegal mining in the state.

The State Commandant of the corps, Olatunde Maku, disclosed this on Thursday in Awka, saying the suspects were arrested and detained at Odele, Aguleri Anambra East Local Government Area.

He said the arrest of the suspects was carried out in collaboration with Federal Mines Officers of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in charge of Anambra, after credible information.

According to him, the suspects include Udoka Nwankwo, male, 25; Amaka Samuel, female, 18; Onyi Ijeoma, female, 45; Chimezie Aniefuna male, 25; Chinaza Omiba, female 18, and a Chinese National, Babajeje David, 47.

“In our determination to discharge our statutory mandate in sanitising the mining sector, we cracked down on these illegal miners.

“The suspects were caught operating illegal sand and laterite mining sites without obtaining a licence that permits them to operate.

“They were mining without paying surface rents and haulage fees to the state government and royalties to the Federal Government which is contrary to Section 33 of Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act 2027.

“They were siphoning the nation’s resources and causing revenue losses to the Federal Government,” he said.

The commandant further stated that the suspects would be charged accordingly upon the completion of investigations.