Operatives of the Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA) Brigade have arrested 13 individuals for engaging in illegal kaolin mining activities in Anambra State.
The suspects were apprehended during an enforcement operation in Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, and Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director of the OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, said the arrests were part of a targeted crackdown on illegal kaolin excavation, which he described as a major contributor to environmental degradation across the state.
According to him, the operation was carried out at identified excavation sites where indiscriminate removal of soil had been ongoing.
He added that the affected sites were immediately sealed to stop further environmental damage and to prevent the expansion of erosion-prone areas.
Comrade Anere explained that illegal excavation has been identified as one of the key drivers of erosion in Anambra State, noting that such activities weaken soil structure, destroy farmlands, and expose surrounding communities to flooding and severe gully erosion.
He further stated that beyond the immediate environmental impact, illegal mining poses long-term risks to public infrastructure, livelihoods, and overall environmental sustainability if allowed to continue unchecked.
The OCHA Brigade Managing Director disclosed that the agency has intensified and strengthened its enforcement strategies against practices that threaten public safety and violate environmental protection laws.
He confirmed that the arrested suspects would be prosecuted in accordance with existing laws, stressing that the action is intended to serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar illegal activities across the state.
Comrade Anere reaffirmed the brigade’s commitment to protecting government lands and property, enforcing environmental regulations, and supporting state policies geared toward sustainable development.
He said that sustained and consistent enforcement remains crucial to mitigating erosion and safeguarding communities throughout Anambra State.
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