The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have apprehended ten suspects over their purported engagement in illegal mining activities at various mining sites in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.

While parading the suspects in Umuahia on Friday, the State Commandant Usman Ishaq Alfadarai, said the arrest was made in strict compliance with the directives of the Commandant General of NSCDC, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to end the activities of illegal miners in all mining sites across the country.

He said the activities of the illegal miners constitute serious economic sabotage to the nation and must not be allowed to continue.

“Beyond the negative consequences of their activities on the nation’s economy, the adverse effects on the environment and residents raise even greater concerns and we are poised to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to checkmate these unwholesome practices,” he said.

The Abia NSCDC boss said the Command recently profiled the mining sites in Abia with a view to identifying the approved mining sites, getting details of licensed miners and enforcing compliance with global best practices in the sector.

“This arrest today is a strong statement to those illegal miners that it’s no longer business as usual,” he added.

He advised stakeholders in the mining sector to ensure that they operate with valid licenses and within approved mining sites, adding that the warning had become necessary to block the revenue losses and prevent environmental hazards associated with illegal mining activities.

The NSCDC State Commandant assured that the suspects who were arrested at the mining site at Azumiri Umuezeama in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State would be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction upon conclusion of investigations, stressing that the federal agency was committed to a crime-free society.

Items recovered from the suspects include one truck with reg no. AAH 631XA, shovels, product samples, and head pans.