Abia’s NSCDC detains ten alleged illegal miners
Ten people who were detained on suspicion of illicit mining were paraded by Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abia State Command, operations on Thursday.
Abia’s NSCDC detains ten alleged illegal miners
Usman Alfadarai, the state commandant, paraded the suspects in Umuahia and said that the arrests had taken place on Friday, February 16, 2024.
In Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, he said that his men had “successfully arrested 10 suspects for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities at different mining sites.”
“In strict compliance with the directives of the Commandant General, Ahmed Abububakar to end the activities of illegal miners in all mining sites across the country,” he said, the arrests had been made.
Alfadarai claims that the illegal miners’ operations amount to economic sabotage of the country and should not be let to go on.
He went on to say that the detrimental impact of their operations on the environment and locals are much more concerning than the bad repercussions on the country’s economy.
In order to identify the authorized mining sites, obtain information on the miners who hold licenses, and ensure adherence to international best practices in the industry, the command recently conducted a profile of the mining sites in Abia.
“Insofar as it is coming late, it is a welcome development because it is part of Gowon’s administration’s three ‘Rs’ of reconstruction, rehabilitation, and rebuilding after the civil war in 1970, which has never been implemented,” said Chief Damian Okeke-Ogene, Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in response to the development.
“An additional significant matter that remains unfulfilled is the establishment of additional states in the Southeast to counterbalance the equity, a goal that the Ohanaeze has been championing—equity, justice, and fairness.”
He went on, “These arrests are clear signals to those illegal miners that things are not going to be the same.”
But he cautioned industry participants to make sure they only operate from licences that are in effect and at locations that have been permitted for mining. He also said that the warning was now required to stop revenue losses and avoid environmental risks brought on by illicit mining operations.
He gave everyone the assurance that, when the investigations were over, the suspects who had been detained would face charges in a court of law.
We think they’ll utilize this to form more states in the South-East as a thank you for what the National Assembly has done. Additionally, since nothing in the South-East has been mishandled, we think the commission will be well run once it is completely created, and we think this will spur regional development.
The Indigenous People of Biafra said that it was much too late for the bill creating the SEDC to pass.
Emma Powerful, the organization’s spokesperson, stated that although the group opposes the commission, it still demands Biafra independence.
Among the items taken from them is a vehicle bearing a license plate. Shovels, product samples, AAH 631XA, and head pans.
