By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has arrested 53-year old man, Madueke Akpuchukwu with 60 bags of suspected kaolin in Anambra state
The culprit, has equally confessed being into illegal mining for the past eight years.
The suspect, was apprehended while conveying suspected solid mineral (Kaolin) without relevant permit at Igbariam in Anambra East Local Government Area of the State made the confession during interrogation.
Akpuchukwu, a native of Awomama town in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State was arrested together with his accomplice, one Chimezie Ezenduka (54) of No 4 All Mekus Drive, Federal Housing, Onitsha.
“I’ve been in the business of transporting Kaolin to needed companies for eight years without any certification as a licensed miner.
“I’m sorry for my actions and promise never to engage in any form of illegal mining,” he said.
Parading the suspects at the State Headquarters on Wednesday, State Commandant of NSCDC, Comdt. Maku Olatunde said the duo were trailed and arrested on Tuesday, at about 1100hrs following credible intelligence.
According to the Commandant, preliminary investigations showed that the 40 ton truck with no registration number was loaded with 600 bags of Kaolin and covered with tarpaulin to disguise as cement consignment.
He gave the value of the solid minerals at N20, 204, 400, adding that they were escavated at a sealed site around Nando and being transported outside the state without waybill or license permitting the suspects to deal in mining.
He commended the Command’s Mining Marshal Squad led by ACC Agunwa Osita for acting on the strength of the information to apprehend the economic saboteurs.
Maku however regretted that activities of illegal miners have been depriving the State under the Solution focused administration of Prof Chukwuma Soludo the much-needed revenue to bring the dividend of democracy to Ndi Anambra.
“NSCDC will continue to check the activities of those engaging in illegal mining across the state. It is not going to be business as usual.
“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 hands of the law catches up on them” he said.
While assuring that the suspects would be arraigned after investigations, the NSCDC boss called on residents to report illegal mining activities within their domains and continue to share useful information on anyone involved in unlawful mineral related practices and environmental degradation for prompt response.
