The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akwa Ibom Order has captured 11 unlawful excavators in Afaha Ikot Osom, Ibesikpo LGA of the state.
The NSCDC likewise appropriated three tipper trucks utilized in completing the unlawful mining exercises.
The State Commandant, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, unveiled this while preparation newsmen at the Order’s base camp in Uyo on Friday.
Eluwade expressed in view of protests of extreme natural debasement originating from mining and exhuming exercises in the area, the Order on Jan. 10 conveyed agents to the site, who instantly captured the suspects.
“The Akwa Ibom State Order of NSCDC has captured 11 suspects and appropriated three tipper trucks for completing unlawful mining exercises in Afaha Ikot Osom, Ibesikpo Asutan LGA to the hindrance of the climate.
“Following grumblings of serious ecological debasement originating from mining and removal exercises in the area.
“On Jan. 10, 2024 sent faculty of the corps to the site who captured 11 suspects and seized three tippers, generator, scoops, wheel hand trucks and different materials utilized in exhuming sand,” Eluwade said.
Eluwade criticized the degree of harm done to the climate by excavators, particularly those working without a permit.
He added that mandate had been given severally for work to stop on the site, when it was found that it presented serious risk to houses and public framework nearby, however the culprits wouldn’t agree.
He approached unlawful diggers to regularize their tasks by getting a permit from the Government Mines Office.
The state commandant reproved authorized diggers to think about the climate while exhuming sands and other earth materials.
“I need to express that mining ought to be completed by authorized people on lands/destinations that are properly supported to be reasonable and ought to be finished inside climate cordial system as endorsed.
“Our office has gotten loads of grievances from residents over the potential risks presented by outrageous digging and uncovering of sand, stone and rock, and the chance of disintegration and sinkholes around individuals’ homes,” he said.
The state commandant said that more sensitisation will be done in association with legitimate excavators in the state to dissuade unlawful mining.
He said that the suspects would be charged to court when examinations are closed
