Parading the suspects in Umuahia, the state Commandant, Usman Alfadarai, said the arrests were made on Friday, February 16, 2024.
He said his men “successfully arrested 10 suspects for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities at different mining sites in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.”
He added that the arrests were made “in strict compliance to the directives of the Commandant General, Ahmed Abububakar to end the activities of illegal miners in all mining sites across the country.”
According to Alfadarai, the activities of the illegal miners constitute economic sabotage to the nation and must not be allowed to continue.
He added that beyond the negative consequences of their activities on the nation’s economy, the adverse effects on the environment and residents raise greater concerns.
“The command recently profiled the mining sites in Abia with a view to identifying the approved mining sites, got details of licensed miners and enforced compliance to global best practices in the sector.
“These arrests are strong signals to those illegal miners that it’s no longer business as usual,” he added.
He, however, advised stakeholders in the sector to ensure that they operate with valid licences and approved mining sites, adding that the warning had become necessary to block the revenue losses and prevent environmental hazards associated with illegal mining activities.
He assured all that the suspects arrested would be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction upon conclusion of investigations.
Items recovered from them include one truck with number plate. AAH 631XA, shovels, product samples and head pans.
