The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Anambra State Command, has successfully dismantled a well-organised illegal sand mining operation at Omambala River in Ifite-Ogwari, Ayamelum Local Government Area. The raid, carried out by the command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit (MSD) in collaboration with the newly deployed Federal Mines Officer in Anambra, Engr. Edet Anthony Oku, was based on credible intelligence.
This was disclosed by Commandant Maku Olatunde, the NSCDC Anambra State Commandant, during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Awka on Sunday, June 1, 2025.
“On Friday, May 30, 2025, at about 13:05 hours, the command swooped in on an illegal mining site located at Omambala River Ifite-Ogwari in Ayamelum Local Government Area of the state. As the team approached the site, all the suspected illegal miners fled the scene, leaving behind some of their mining equipment,” Commandant Maku stated.
According to him, the operation led to the confiscation of several items used in the illicit activity. “Exhibits recovered from the site included one dredger, two dredging engine pumps, eighteen drums, five suction pipes, eight plastic discharge pipes, three jerrycans (25L), one plastic bucket, and one funnel,” he said.
The NSCDC boss further revealed that the site had a licensed mining title reportedly held by one Hon. Ike Nweke of Messrs. Trillike Investment Ltd but had been hijacked by unauthorised miners.
“Preliminary investigation suggests that the site with licensed mining title reportedly held by one Hon. Ike Nweke of Messrs. Trillike Investment Ltd had been overtaken by unauthorised miners allegedly led by one Mr. Uche Joshua Okafor, who is currently at large,” Maku noted.
He emphasised that the command’s responsibility includes protecting lawful mining operations and stopping illegal activities that harm the sector.
“As part of our mandate, we are duty-bound to safeguard the interests of legitimate title holders by sealing off illegal mining sites and facilitating the lawful operations of verified title holders. By doing so, we prevent revenue loss, environmental degradation, and promote sustainability in the sector,” he explained.
Commandant Maku also announced that a manhunt has been launched for the fleeing suspects, and a thorough investigation is ongoing to expose the full scale of their criminal activities, including those who may have aided them.
“Upon the conclusion of investigation, those found culpable would be formally charged to court to face the consequences of their actions,” he stated.
Reiterating the NSCDC’s resolve to curb illegal mining, he issued a stern warning: “The NSCDC reaffirms its commitment to enforcing the law and protecting the nation’s solid mineral resources, warning perpetrators of illegal mining activities to desist forthwith or face the full weight of the law.”
