The Akwa Ibom command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says 11 persons have been arrested for illegal mining activities in the state.
Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, Eluyemi Eluwade, NSCDC commandant in Akwa Ibom, said three vehicles used for illegal mining operations were also impounded.
Eluyemi said the suspects were arrested following complaints of environmental degradation caused by mining activities in Afaha Ikot Osom, Ibesikpo LGAs of the state.
He said miners operating without license have caused “profound damages” to the environment, adding that the illegal miners have refused to heed warnings to stop work on the sites.
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He said the operatives arrested the suspects on January 10.
“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,” NAN quoted Eluyemi as saying.
“This followed complaints of severe environmental degradation, stemming from mining and excavation activities in the location.
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“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.
“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.”
The commandant called on illegal miners to get a license for operation and urged legal operators to be cautious when excavating sands and other earth materials.
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