The Cross River State Government has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, with over 40 suspected illegal miners arrested in a forest within Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The arrests were made during a coordinated operation by the State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce, following weeks of surveillance aimed at dismantling unlawful mining camps across the state.
According to the Taskforce Chairman, Prince Paul Effiong, the operation was part of ongoing efforts to protect the state’s mineral-rich forests from exploitation by unlicensed miners. He noted that the arrests add to a growing list of offenders, with 20 others apprehended in August across Yakurr LGA and Uyanga forest, bringing the total to 60 suspects within three months.
Effiong revealed that in the past three years, over 5,000 illegal miners have invaded Biase, Yakurr, and Akamkpa LGAs, including parts of the Cross River National Park, in search of gold and other precious stones. Many of the invaders, he said, are heavily armed and originate from Northern Nigeria and the Sahel region.
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Meanwhile, the government has raised serious security concerns following intelligence reports suggesting that terrorists may be relocating to the South-South and South-East regions, disguising themselves as miners to infiltrate local communities.
In a statement titled “Protect Our Land, Protect Our Future,” Prince Paul Effiong warned residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements or strangers claiming to be miners. He explained that the suspected infiltrators might attempt to gain the trust of local leaders and residents before engaging in criminal or terrorist activities.
The warning follows recent alerts from the United States government about increased security threats across Nigeria, heightening fears that terrorist groups may be seeking new hideouts in forested regions.
Effiong reaffirmed the Taskforce’s commitment to defending the state’s security and natural wealth, urging communities to work closely with local authorities. “Our forests must not become safe havens for criminals or insurgents. This is a collective fight to protect our people, our land, and our future,” he stated.
