Several foreign nationals and Nigerian citizens have been arrested over their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Amba, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The suspects were arrested on Friday, 17th July during a security operation led by the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe.

The development was disclosed by the Personal Assistant to the Governor on Chieftaincy Affairs, Ebenezer Daniel, in a post shared on his Facebook page.

Although the identities of the suspects and the number of those arrested were not immediately disclosed, the operation is believed to be part of ongoing efforts by the Nasarawa State Government to clamp down on illegal mining and strengthen regulatory compliance in the state’s solid minerals sector.

The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS, BEECROFT has intercepted 757 kilograms of suspected cannabis sativa during a series of intelligence-led operations carried out across different parts of Lagos State.

The illicit substances, packed in 18 bags, were recovered in three separate operations conducted between April 7 and July 17 before being handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at the Navy Base in Apapa for further investigation.

Speaking during the handover, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said the seizures were made following credible intelligence that guided the operations.

According to him, five bags of the suspected cannabis were recovered at Abule Osun on April 7, while another two bags were intercepted at Ikare Island on April 13. The remaining 11 bags were seized at Alpha Beach on July 15.

Adams-Aliu credited the successful operations to the Nigerian Navy’s Western Regional Control Centre, known as Falcon Eye, an advanced maritime surveillance system equipped with long-range cameras and sensors designed to monitor coastal areas beyond the operational reach of patrol boats.

He explained that the technology provided real-time intelligence, enabling naval personnel to track and intercept suspected traffickers before they could carry out their activities.

The commander said the recoveries reflected the Nigerian Navy’s renewed emphasis on technology-driven maritime security under the leadership of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas.

He reaffirmed NNS BEECROFT’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-based operations aimed at combating drug trafficking and other maritime crimes in collaboration with the NDLEA and other security agencies.

Receiving the recovered exhibits on behalf of the NDLEA Marine Command, Commander of Narcotics Luka Yerima commended the Navy for its continued partnership in the fight against illicit drug trafficking.

Yerima assured that the agency would continue to strengthen collaboration with security agencies to dismantle organised criminal networks involved in the illegal drug trade.

He added that the seized substances would undergo forensic analysis as investigations continue to identify and prosecute those behind the trafficking operation.

Residents of Umuguma Federal Housing Estate in Owerri West LGA Imo State have cried out to the State Government and other relevant authorities as flood takes over their homes.

The residents are appealing for immediate remedial measures from the Government to contain the devastating effects of the flood which has submerged roads and residential houses within the estate.

They also urged authorities to carry out urgent road reconstruction and improved drainage to end the flood incident and business stagnation.

The flooding, according to residents, occurred following a two-day heavy rain which left several residential houses submerged, hampering vehicular movement and forcing business owners to lock up their shops.

A resident, Chiamaka Enyinnaya, who spoke with our correspondent, stated that the flood took over sections of the road, forcing commuters to wade through water while struggling to navigate the covered roads.

She said that flooding in the area has become a recurring decimal every rainy season and posed
a major challenge to people as businesses and other social activities are being disrupted daily.

Another resident, Anayo Ikechi, a shop owner, attributed the persistent flooding to deteriorating nature of road infrastructure and inadequate drainage systems, saying the situation has worsened over the years despite repeated appeals for intervention by relevant authorities.

“We are suffering seriously because of this flooding. Anytime it rains, movement becomes almost impossible.

“People cannot go out for work, children find it difficult to move around, and businesses are affected. We sincerely appeal to the Government to come to our aid,” he said.

A commercial motorcycle operator, Ebuka, while lamenting the condition of the roads, noted that the poor state of the road has increased difficulty in navigating through the area while exposing their motorcycles to frequent mechanical faults.

He explained that operating within the estate has become a nightmare which no one will like to experience.

“Many Okada riders avoid coming here because the roads are in very bad condition. Those of us who come take huge risks.

“Water enters our motorcycle exhaust pipes and damages our machines. That is why transportation fares are higher whenever it rains,” he said.

Another resident, Engr. Bethel, said the poor condition of the roads has persisted for nearly five years without any significant improvement.

According to him, several appeals have been made to relevant authorities, yet residents are still waiting for lasting solutions.

“I have lived here for almost five years, and the situation has remained the same. It is unfortunate that a Federal Housing Estate located less than thirty minutes drive from the Government House still experiences this level of infrastructural decay.

“We hope the government will give urgent attention to this community,” he said.