By ISAIAH EKA

Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom Command, says it has arrested 11 suspected illegal miners in the state.

The command also said It had impounded three tipper trucks used in carrying out illegal mining activities in Afaha Ikot Osom, Ibesikpo Local Government Area of the state.

NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, disclosed this while briefing newsmen at the command’s headquarters in Uyo on Friday.

Eluwade said based on complaints of severe environmental degradation, stemming from mining and excavation activities in the location, the command, on Jan.10, deployed operatives in the site, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

“The Akwa Ibom State Command of NSCDC has arrested 11 suspects and impounded three tipper trucks for carrying out illegal mining activities in Afaha Ikot Osom, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA, to the detriment of the environment.

“This followed complaints of severe environmental degradation, stemming from mining and excavation activities in the location.

“On Jan. 10, 2024, deployed personnel of the corps to the site arrested 11 suspects and impounded three tippers, generator, shovels, wheel barrows and other materials used in excavating sand,” he said.

Eluwade decried the level of damage done to the environment by miners, especially those operating without mining licence.

He said that several directives had been given for work to stop on the site when it was discovered that it posed serious danger to houses and public/critical infrastructure in the area.

The NSCDC commandant, however, said that the perpetrators refused to comply.

He called on other illegal miners to regularise their operations by obtaining licence from the Federal Mines Office.

Eluwade also admonished licensed miners to take the environment into consideration when excavating sands and other earth materials.

“I want to state that mining should be carried out by licensed persons on lands/sites that are duly approved to be suitable and it should be done within the environment-friendly framework.

“Our office has received lots of complaints from citizens over the potential dangers posed by extreme dredging and excavation of sand, granite and gravel, and the possibility of erosion and sinkholes around people’s homes,” he said.

The commandant appealed to stakeholders in the mining sector to carry out their activities responsibly in order to protect the environment.

He said more sensitisation would be done, in partnership with legal miners in the state, to deter illegal mining.

Eluwade further stated that the arrested suspects would be charged to court, as soon as investigations were concluded. (NAN)

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