The Cross River State Government has stepped up its fight against illegal mining, arresting more than 40 suspected miners in a forest located in Akamkpa Local Government Area.
The arrests followed a coordinated raid by the State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce after weeks of surveillance targeting unauthorized mining sites across the state.
Speaking to journalists in Calabar on Friday, the Taskforce Chairman, Prince Paul Effiong, said the operation is part of ongoing measures to safeguard the state’s mineral-rich forests from illegal exploitation.
He added that this latest operation brings the total number of suspects arrested in the past three months to 60, following the earlier arrest of 20 individuals in August in the Yakurr LGA and Uyanga forest.
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.
He said, “The past three years, over 5,000 illegal miners have invaded communities like 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 are heavily armed and originate from Northern Nigeria and the Sahel region.”
“With these arrests, add to a growing list of offenders and 20 others apprehended in August across Yakurr LGA and Uyanga forest, it brings the total to 60 suspects within three months,” he added.
He assured that the state government is committed to ending illegal mining and safeguarding its natural environment.
“We will not allow lawless individuals to destroy our land for selfish gain. All mining operations in Cross River must comply with environmental and legal standards,” Effiong said.
Effiong also 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.