NSCDC raids illegal sand mining site, seizes dredging machines in Anambra

Eric Patrick 

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has shut down an illegal sand mining site along the Omambala River in Ifite-Ogwari, Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The operation, carried out last Friday by the command’s Mines and Steel Development Unit in collaboration with the newly appointed Federal Mines Officer for the state, Edet Oku, followed credible intelligence about unauthorized activities at the location.

This was disclosed by the State NSCDC Commandant, Maku Olatunde, at the command headquarters in Awka on Monday. 

Olatunde noted that following the raid, the illegal mining site has been sealed and a manhunt launched for the fleeing suspects.

Items recovered include a dredger, two dredging engine pumps, 18 drums, five suction pipes, eight discharge pipes, three 25-litre jerry cans, a plastic bucket, and a funnel.

He said, “The NSCDC, in its sustained commitment to combating illegal mining, has successfully raided a highly organised illegal sand mining site at Omambala River, Ifite-Ogwari, in Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“On Friday, May 30, 2025, at about 13:05 hours, the command swooped in on the illegal mining site. As the team approached, all suspected illegal miners fled the scene, abandoning some of their mining equipment.

“Preliminary investigation suggests that the site, with a licensed mining title reportedly held by one Ike Nweke of Messrs Trillike Investment Ltd, had been overtaken by unauthorised miners, allegedly led by one Uche Joshua Okafor, who is currently at large.

“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. In doing so, we prevent revenue loss, environmental degradation, and promote sustainability in the sector.”

According to him, the command has launched a thorough investigation to uncover the full extent of the fleeing suspects’ criminal activities, including those aiding and abetting the illicit operations.

He stated that, upon conclusion of the investigation, those found culpable would be formally charged to court to face the consequences of their actions.