At least 29 persons nabbed for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities in various locations of the southern state of Imo, according to the para-military in the state on Sunday.
The suspects were arrested following a directive by governor of the state Hope Uzodimma to crack down on illegal mining operators in the state, according to Danjuma Elisha, head of the Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state.
Elisha said the security agency would conduct the profiling on the suspects before charging them to court.
“We are here to work and we must carry out the governor’s directive to its fullest by ensuring that the environment is safe for all,” he told reporters in Owerri, the state capital.
According to state para-military head, illegal mining is impacting negatively on the lives of people in Imo, noting that it is one of the causes of landslide and heavy flooding.
The feat was achieved following the synergy of operations existing among security outfits in Imo, he added.
The state government had recently announced a ban on illegal mining and directed security agencies to crack down on suspects.
