Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps said it arrested two suspects for criminal

conspiracy and illegal mining, as well as conveyance of solid minerals suspected to be Iron

ore in in Akwa Ibom.

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 on Aug.

26, while conveying 1, 200 bags of the solid minerals in a long open truck with Registration.

He added the the mineral resources were mined from Ibeno beach area, and were being

transported to Port Harcourt.

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.