The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has raided an illegal mining site and seized a sand dredging machine in Anambra State.
The NSCDC Commandant in the state, Mr. Olatunde Maku, disclosed this to journalists on Monday in Awka.
He said the site was located at the Omambala River in Ifite-Ogwari, Ayamelum Local Government Area of the state.
He added that the operation was part of ongoing efforts by the agency to check illegal mining in the state.
According to him, the operation was carried out by the Corps Mines and Steel Development Unit (MSD) in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer in the state, Mr. Edet Oku.
“On May 30, the command swooped in on the illegal mining site located at Omambala River, Ifite-Ogwari. As the team approached the site, all the suspected illegal miners fled the scene, leaving behind some of their mining equipment.
“The items recovered from the site include a dredger, two dredging engine pumps, 18 drums, five suction pipes, eight plastic discharge pipes, three jerry cans, a plastic bucket, and a funnel.”
“The illegal mining site has been sealed and a manhunt has commenced for the fleeing suspects,” the commandant stated.
