Operatives of Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra (OCHA Brigade) have arrested sixteen illegal revenue collectors and sand miners who were extorting and intimidating residents and motorists in Ogbaru Local Government Area of the State.
Tribune Online gathered that five suspects were apprehended while posing as government IGR collectors, while other 11 were caught dredging sand from unapproved areas near the Second Niger Bridge, which had been sealed off by the state government.
During the parade of the suspects, the Managing Director of OCHA Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, stated that those arrested are not recognized by the state government.
According to him, the suspects have been intimidating and extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public while dispossessing others of their property.
He emphasised the need for compliance with government directives regarding sand mining activities and urged concerned parties to obtain the necessary permits from authorized state agencies and ministries.
Anere warned that the state would continue to take decisive action against anyone or any group found in violation of these regulations.
Obiorah Arinze, the leader of the arrested illegal revenue collectors, claimed he was contracted by Nwa Chike-Aba Nigeria Limited ,who told him that he had obtained all necessary government permits, including required signatures and stamps.
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