The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has arrested three men for allegedly engaging in illegal sand mining at Obiaja River along the Nnobi–Ideani Junction, Uke Road, in Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects were arrested on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, during an operation carried out by the NSCDC Mines and Steel Development Unit in collaboration with the Federal Mines Officer in Anambra State.
Speaking during a media briefing at the command headquarters in Awka, the State Commandant, Maku Olatunde, said the operation followed credible intelligence on unlicensed mining activities at the site, popularly known as “Mmiri Obiaja” or “Mmiri Mgbo.”
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The arrested suspects were identified as 45-year-old Patrick Anpue of Umuagu Village, Nnobi; 44-year-old Chidubem Ugammadu of Urumkpu Village, Umuoji; and 47-year-old Chukwuma Igwe of Umuanocha Village, Awka-Etiti.
According to the command, two tippers, six shovels and a wheelbarrow were recovered from the site as exhibits.
Olatunde said the suspects admitted to carrying out mining activities without the necessary authorisation or legal documentation from the relevant authorities.
He explained that the arrest forms part of the NSCDC’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s mineral resources from exploitation by unlicensed operators.
The commandant warned individuals and groups involved in illegal sand mining to desist from the practice or face legal action. He also urged members of the public to report suspected cases of illegal mining to the NSCDC.
The suspects are expected to be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
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