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The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) announced the arrest of two suspects in Akwa Ibom for criminal conspiracy, illegal mining, and the transportation of solid minerals suspected to be iron ore.

The Corps also apprehended two other suspects for vandalising power transmission lines in Ikot Akpan Okop village in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the State.

Briefing newsmen on Wednesday at the Command’s exhibit yard, the NSCDC state commandant, Mr Eluyemi Eluwade, said the two mining suspects were arrested at about 1:00hours on Aug. 26, while conveying 1, 200 bags of the solid minerals in a long open truck with Registration No: TYN 157 XA.

He added the the mineral resources were mined from Ibeno beach area, and were being transported to PortHarcourt.

“NSCDC operatives received intelligence on the illegal mining activity and quickly mobilised towards the mining site.

“The truck was accosted at Eket LGA, where the driver and one other person were arrested for failure to provide mining license and a genuine waybill for the mineral resource being transported,” Eluwade said.

Eluwade said that the other two suspects were arrested by anti-vandalization operatives on Aug. 25 for vandalising power transmission lines.

He said that the suspects confessed to vandalising the transmission lines with intent to sell them as scrap.

The state commandant condemned the act of vandalism of power cables, telecommunication installations, oil pipelines, street lights and other public utilities as well as illegal mining of mineral resources in the state.

Eluwade also frowned at illegal mining of mineral resources, describing it as an act of economic sabotage, that deprives Governments the needed revenue to carry out its programmes.

The commandant reiterated the commitment of the Corps to fighting crimes to a standstill assuring that all suspects will be charged to Court, as soon as investigations are concluded.