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Anambra Tipper Drivers, Sand Miners Protest Govt Harassment, Allege ₦5m Extortion
By Okey Maduforo Awka
Tipper drivers and sand miners operating in Anambra State have protested what they called persistent harassment and extortion of their members by a government agency known as Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra state aka Ocha Brigade to the tune of over N5 million.
The groups raised the alarm on Friday during a peaceful protest at the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) Area Office, Onitsha.
Addressing the NIWA Area Manager in Onitsha, Sir Victor Nwaokeocha, the President-General of the Anambra State Sand Miners Association, Mr. Christopher Mbaegbu, said the purpose of the protest was to formally complain to NIWA, which he described as their “landlord,” over the continued harassment of their members by Ocha Brigade.
According to Mbaegbu, sand miners and tipper drivers are forced to flee their business locations daily due to alleged intimidation by Ocha Brigade operatives.
“I do not understand why Anambra State should be different from other states in Nigeria,” he said.
He narrated a recent incident in which more than 20 tipper trucks, pay loaders, and other equipment were allegedly seized by the Ocha Brigade and taken to Upper Iweka Flyover.
“Just last Friday, they impounded over 20 trucks, seized our equipment, and arrested more than 21 workers, including drivers and even women carrying babies.
They detained them for two days, and we spent over ₦1 million before they were released,” Mbaegbu stated.
He questioned how long they would continue to suffer such treatment, stressing that the arrests took place within areas approved by NIWA for sand mining activities.
Mbaegbu further queried whether they were expected to obey federal or state authorities, noting that NIWA and the Federal Ministry of Mines had issued them valid permits.
“If the documents given to us by NIWA and the Ministry of Mines are not relevant, they should tell us so we can know who to follow. Every day we are on the run.
He alleged that tipper trucks loaded with sand are often seized and held for over a week, while detainees are reportedly released only after paying between ₦200,000 and ₦300,000 per person.
“We want the governor to see what we are going through and intervene. We have licences. We met all requirements before NIWA and the Ministry of Mines approved our operations. Why then is the Anambra State Government preventing us from doing our lawful business?” he said.
Mbaegbu disclosed that the association had written several letters to the Anambra State Government, seeking guidance on how to operate legally without harassment, but received no response.
“If you meet the Managing Director of Ocha Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, he will tell you that it is Prof. Charles Oforegbu who will release our vehicles.
We do not even know our offence. We want the governor to tell us what our sins are,” he added.
He further alleged that Ocha Brigade operatives invade their business premises, arrest members and sales attendants, and confiscate equipment without stating any offence, only instructing them to report to Awka.
“What is most painful is that these arrests happen within the limits approved by federal law. They even seal our business areas that fall under the exclusive list of the Federal Government,” he said.
Mbaegbu explained that the miners operate under dual federal oversight from NIWA and the Ministry of Mines and have submitted all relevant documents to the Anambra State Ministry of Justice, the Attorney-General’s office, and the Commissioner for Mining.
“We are not operating outside NIWA jurisdiction. We will also formally report to the Federal Ministry of Mines,” he added.
Also speaking, a sand miner, Mr. Uche Okafor, said they visited NIWA to report the hardship they face from state authorities despite possessing federal permits.
According to him, the alleged harassment began in 2024 when the Ocha Brigade Managing Director, Celestine Anere, “abandoned his primary duties to assume the role of overseer of miners across the state.”
“As I speak, my wheel loader,purchased last year with my life savings for over ₦200 million was forcefully seized last Friday and taken to Upper Iweka.
This equipment is highly sensitive. Mishandling it could cause serious damage costing a fortune,” Okafor lamented.
He alleged that when he approached Anere to inquire about his offence, he was told the action was “an order from above.”
Okafor further claimed that although Anere does not directly demand money, detainees are allegedly referred to junior officers for negotiations.
“I was told to pay ₦5 million before my wheel loader would be released. The machine committed no offence.
This has been our experience since 2024. We pay IGR to the state and also pay daily loading fees,” he said.
In his remarks, the President of the Anambra State Tipper Drivers Association, Prince Augustine Akigwe, urged the state government to clearly define approved and prohibited operational zones.
“Even when we approached Prof. Oforegbu we were referred back to Ocha Brigade, yet no clear directive has been given to date,” he said.
Akigwe appealed to Governor Soludo to intervene, describing him as a listening governor who may not be aware of what the operators are experiencing.
“We are among the major contributors to state revenue, yet we are not allowed to operate in peace,” he added.
Responding, the NIWA Area Manager, Sir Victor Nwaokeocha, expressed concern that the governor had allegedly allowed state actors to act irresponsibly toward taxpayers for years without checks.
He stated that NIWA had written several letters to the Anambra State Attorney-General, Commissioner for Justice, Ocha Brigade, and even the State House of Assembly. He said he personally reported the matter to the Speaker of the Assembly.
“I do not understand why people duly issued permits by appropriate authorities are being harassed. NIWA is a federal agency under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with exclusive authority over inland waterways. There is even a Supreme Court judgment in NIWA’s favour,” he said.
Nwaokeocha cited Section 13(2) of the NIWA Act, which prohibits any person or state authority from obstructing waterways or engaging in sand, gravel, or stone extraction without NIWA approval.
“The governor should urgently call his state actors to order,” he added.
He disclosed that the matter has been reported to NIWA headquarters in Abuja and that he would personally submit petitions and supporting documents next week.
Reacting, the Managing Director of Ocha Brigade, Comrade Celestine Anere, denied allegations of harassment and extortion.
He maintained that operators must register with the Anambra State Government before operating.
“We have told them repeatedly that they must register with the state. Anyone without state approval should not mine or carry sand,” he said.
Anere added that tipper drivers damage state roads by spilling sand and water.
“Go to Marine Road and other areas; you will see the destruction caused. Our concern is regulation. They must obtain state-approved licences to operate,” he said.
He argued that even though sand mining sites may fall under federal jurisdiction, the operators still use state roads and must comply with state regulations.
Two days after reports circulated online that the Umuahia Premier Club, Umuahia Branch had endorsed the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha for a second term, the Club has debunked the report, describing the purported endorsement as unauthorised and a departure from its non-partisan traditions.
In a rejoinder issued on Sunday and signed by its Branch Chairman, Premier Ako Obioma, and Branch Secretary, Premier Chuka Agomoh, the club said its attention had been drawn to a purported endorsement of a candidate contesting for elective political office on the platform of a particular political party.
The leadership said the club is, by its founding philosophy, a socio-cultural, non-partisan and unifying organisation established to foster fraternity, mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, cultural solidarity, and the collective advancement of its members and communities.
“It is therefore not the character, tradition or mandate of the Club to adopt or endorse partisan political candidates,” the statement read.
The club said the purported endorsement constituted a significant departure from its established traditions and ethos, warning that it could generate avoidable disaffection, suspicion, and division among members who are entitled to hold divergent political preferences.
“It is acknowledged that the candidate purportedly endorsed is a member of the Club and is entitled, like every other citizen, to participate in the political process and pursue his legitimate political aspirations. However, membership of the Club cannot, in itself, constitute a basis for transforming the Club into a political platform or committing the collective identity of the Club to the political ambition of any individual member,” the statement said.
The club clarified that the gathering held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, was convened as its monthly general meeting and not as a political meeting or a forum authorised to deliberate upon and endorse a political candidate.
It noted that the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Legal Adviser, and four National officers from the branch were reportedly absent from the meeting, adding that the circumstances under which the purported endorsement was made required careful scrutiny.
“It is particularly disturbing that the meeting took place at the residence of the candidate concerned, thereby creating circumstances in which his political associates and party supporters were able to take advantage of the gathering to introduce and advance a partisan agenda that was neither part of the scheduled business of the Club nor sanctioned by its leadership,” the statement read.
The club further said a considerable number of those present were either relatively new members or persons not yet sufficiently conversant with its established procedures and conventions.
“In view of the foregoing, the purported endorsement, to the extent that it purports to represent the collective position of the Club or its Branch, is hereby expressly repudiated, condemned and declared unacceptable,” the statement said.
It warned that appropriate disciplinary measures would be taken against any member found to have deliberately misrepresented the position of the club, acted without authority, or brought its name into disrepute.
The club also reiterated that only the Chairman, Secretary, and Public Relations Officer are authorised to issue or circulate official publications on behalf of the club or the branch, adding that the Secretary and PRO must obtain the requisite approval of the Branch Chairman before issuing any official publication.
“Therefore, anyone who circulated or posted the purported endorsement should as a matter of urgency pull it down immediately,” the statement directed.
The club declared all publications, statements, endorsements or communications already circulated in connection with the purported endorsement as null, void, and of no effect, advising members and the general public to disregard them.
It called on members to remain calm, exercise restraint, and refrain from any action or publication capable of exacerbating the situation, stressing that the club’s unity, integrity, and continued cohesion remain paramount.
“Our political affiliations may differ; our cultural heritage unites us. Our individual political ambitions may vary; the collective interest of our Club and our clans must remain sacrosanct,” the statement concluded.
Enugu Air has launched a new official website, moving its online services to www.enuguairlines.ng.
The airline announced the development in a statement informing passengers and customers of the change, describing the new platform as a safer and more convenient digital channel for accessing its services.
Announcing the migration, Enugu Air said: “We’ve moved! We’re innovating! We’ve migrated to a better, safer and convenient website to connect you to the world.”
According to the airline, the new website will serve as its digital platform for flight bookings, schedules and operational updates.
Passengers and prospective travellers can now visit www.enuguairlines.ng to book flights, check schedules and access the latest information about the airline’s operations.
Enugu Air urged customers to save the new web address and use it for all online flight-related services.
The airline stressed that the change would not affect its identity or services, stating: “Same Enugu Air. New web address.”
It also warned passengers that its former website, enuguairlines.com, had been discontinued and was no longer in use.
The airline therefore advised customers to use www.enuguairlines.ng for its current online services and flight-related information.
The Enugu State House of Assembly, on Monday, called for urgent government intervention following a landslide that cut off Ugwueme and Nenwenta communities in Awgu Local Government Area from other parts of the state.
The Assembly urged the Enugu State Government, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Ecological Fund to urgently mobilise resources to address the situation and restore access to the affected communities.
The landslide, which occurred on September 18 following torrential rainfall, reportedly blocked the road linking the two communities, forcing residents to pass through neighbouring Abia and Imo states to access other parts of Enugu State.
Moving a motion of urgent public importance, the member representing Awgu South State Constituency, Hon. Anthony Nwankwo, said the disaster had paralysed movement and made emergency response difficult in the affected communities.
Nwankwo also revealed that a family of four reportedly died after a collapsed overhead water tank crushed them, leaving only a four-year-old child who was subsequently rescued.
He lamented that the victims might have been rescued alive if the road leading to the communities had remained accessible.
Nwankwo therefore urged the Assembly to prevail on the relevant authorities to urgently clear the road and restore access to Ugwueme and Nenwenta.
“I move that the House do write the relevant authorities to intervene to open the road leading to Ugwueme and Nenwenta,” he said.
Supporting the motion, lawmakers expressed sympathy with Nwankwo and residents of the affected communities, describing the incident as a serious natural disaster requiring immediate intervention.
Members representing Ezeagu, Nkanu East and Oji River State Constituencies, Hon. Chima Obieze, Hon. Okey Mba and Hon. Osita Eze, respectively, also urged residents to avoid constructing buildings close to hills and engaging in indiscriminate excavation of soil and stones.
They warned that such activities could worsen the risk of landslides.
The lawmakers, however, stressed that government agencies should immediately mobilise resources to clear the affected road and restore access to the communities.
Assembly Confirms Civil Service Commission Nominees
Meanwhile, the Assembly screened and confirmed the appointment of a chairman and four members of the Enugu State Civil Service Commission nominated by Governor Peter Mbah.
The nominees are Prof. Gabriel Ajah as Chairman; Christian Mbah, Member 1; Mrs. Stella Ekweremadu, Member 2; Mrs. Emmanuela Uzonna Ogarabe, Member 3; and Mrs. Theresa Ifeanyichukwu Onyefuzili, Member 4.
The nominees were subsequently confirmed after the lawmakers found them qualified for the positions.
They were asked to take a bow and leave without undergoing prolonged screening after presenting their curriculum vitae and professional records to the Assembly.
Speaking on behalf of the nominees, Ajah pledged that punctuality and discipline would be central to the commission under his leadership.
“We shall lead by example. We must be punctual to work,” he said.
Before his appointment, Ajah had served the Enugu State Government in various capacities, including 19 years as Permanent Secretary and 14 years as Dean of Permanent Secretaries.
He also served as Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB), among other positions.
The Federal Government has sealed a deal for the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters from US-based Bell Textron as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s airpower and security capabilities.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, led a Nigerian Air Force delegation to a beam-signing ceremony at Bell Textron’s facility in Amarillo, Texas, marking a major milestone in the Nigeria-US defence cooperation programme.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the acquisition is aimed at modernising the Armed Forces and enhancing their capacity to respond to security threats.
Aneke described the acquisition as an important milestone in efforts to build a more capable and mission-ready Nigerian Air Force.
He said the programme would support the NAF’s objective of developing a highly motivated and professional force capable of delivering effective airpower in coordination with ground forces.
The Chief of Air Staff also stressed the need to ensure that the newly acquired capabilities translated into improved operational effectiveness and stronger support for Nigeria’s national security objectives.
Aneke thanked President Bola Tinubu for what he described as his strategic leadership and support for strengthening Nigeria’s defence architecture.
He also acknowledged the cooperation of the United States Government, Bell Textron, Programme Management Air 276 and other stakeholders involved in the AH-1Z Viper programme.
During the visit, the Nigerian delegation inspected the AH-1Z Viper production line at the Bell Textron facility.
The development comes six days after the Nigerian Air Force took delivery of five new helicopters—three AW-109 Trekker B helicopters manufactured by Leonardo Helicopters of Italy and two H-125 helicopters manufactured by Airbus Helicopters.
The latest acquisition forms part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to modernise Nigeria’s military airpower and strengthen its response to terrorism, banditry and other security challenges.
Source: Punch Newspapers�
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By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Maintenance work on the First River Niger Bridge has been extended by one week due to persistent heavy rainfall across Anambra State.
The Federal Government had earlier closed the bridge to traffic to allow contractors to carry out maintenance work on the aging structure, with the initial closure scheduled to last for two weeks.
The contractor had previously raised concerns over inadequate lighting and poor sanitation around the bridge, saying the challenges were affecting night operations and posing security concerns for workers and construction materials.
However, the maintenance work has been further disrupted by heavy rainfall, which has persisted across the state for almost a week.
When reporters visited the bridge on Monday morning during another heavy downpour, workers were unable to commence operations. Some sections that had already been worked on were also reportedly affected by the continuous rainfall.
The Controller of Works, Engr. Timothy Emenike, who spoke to reporters in Onitsha, said the impact of the rainfall meant that the workers needed at least three consecutive dry days before they could effectively return to work.
He said the completion date had consequently been extended by one week, subject to favourable weather conditions.
“We have actually done a lot of work on most portions of the bridge, but with the constant heavy rains for almost one week, some areas have been affected and need at least three dry days for us to return to site.
“So, in view of what is on ground, we have extended the date for the completion of the project by one week, depending on the weather. For now, we pray that we shall have three dry days for us to return to site,” Emenike said.
Emenike, however, disclosed that after the maintenance work is completed, the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, would conduct another inspection of the bridge before approval is given for its reopening.
He also said the challenge of inadequate lighting for night operations had been addressed, while the sanitation problems around the bridge had also been resolved.
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