NSCDC arrests two for illegal dredging

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps [NSCDC], Ogun State Command, on Saturday, arrested two men for illegal dredging in Okesokori-Ikereku-Idan Abeokuta, the state capital.

The suspects; Shakiru, 58 and Dauda Adeyinka, 58, were caught in the act and arrested by men of the Command code name, ‘Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit.’

A LEYLAND tipper, loaded with sand and marked, XC396AAB, was recovered. Also recovered were mobile phones and shovels.

The Corps spokesperson, Mr. Kareem Olarenwaju said that the two men were seen dredging on the popular Ogun River around Okesokori-Ikereku-Idan area, which hosts water pipeline of the State Water Corporation.

 Olarenwaju explained that the dredging, was not only illegal, but had already affected the foundation of buildings in the area.

He said: “The dredging has affected the foundation of the houses. The houses have weakened due to erosion caused by the incessant dredging activities of these illegal miners!”

Olarenwaju said residents in the affected areas, had written a petition to NSCDC Command, complaining of illegal dredging activities affecting their houses.

Olarewanju added: “The NSCDC is saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and protecting government infrastructures across the state. These include all natural resources belonging to the government. It is therefore illegal for anyone to tamper with them without approval from relevant authority.”

He said that the arrested miners claimed they had approval from the state government before embarking on the dredging.

“We’ll investigate their claim,” said Olarenwaju.