The Cross River State Government’s Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force, has arrested 21 suspected illegal miners in a joint operation with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The operation, which lasted several days, across Biase, Yakurr and Obubra Local Government Areas, targeted illegal mining activities that pose significant economic and environmental threats to the State.
Commenting on the arrest, the Chairman of the State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force, Prince Paul Okon Effiong, who led the enforcement team, described the crackdown as a major success in the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate mining and safeguard Cross River State’s natural resources.
Effiong also commended the State Governor, Prince Bassey Otu for providing an enabling environment that has empowered the task force and security agencies in the fight against illegal mining.
“This operation is a clear message that the Cross River State Government, under the leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, will not tolerate illegal mining activities. Our natural resources must be preserved for the benefit of all, not exploited unlawfully,” he stated.
Effiong further commended the collaboration of security agencies, including the police, army, NSCDC, and Airforce, for their crucial role in the success of the operation.
He urged community leaders to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their lands from illegal mining activities.
The Cross River State Commandant of NSCDC, Dr. Charles Brown, who paraded the suspects, reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to tackling illegal mining and called on the public, particularly communities in mining areas, to provide credible intelligence.
“We need the cooperation of the people to fight this menace. If you see something, say something. These illegal activities are depriving the state and the nation of valuable resources,” Brown emphasized.
According to the NSCDC State Commandant, most of the arrested suspects are all from northern parts of Nigeria.
He also warned authorities that the security challenges linked to illegal mining in other parts of the country must not be allowed to spread to Cross River.
“We have seen the devastating impact of illegal mining in other parts of the country, and we will not allow Cross River State to become a hotspot for such activities. Those involved should be prepared to face the full wrath of the law,” the NSCDC Commandant warned.
The NSCDC Commandant further called on traditional rulers, chiefs, and opinion leaders to take responsibility for safeguarding their communities.
“The community belongs to you, and it is being desecrated. We need your support to stop these illegal activities,” he urged.
He explained that the suspects would face legal proceedings, with the judiciary determining their fate.
Our reporter gathered that this latest operation signaled a renewed commitment by the State Government and security agencies to intensify the fight against illegal mining in Cross River State.
During the operation, security personnel recovered various mining tools, including shovels, pumping machines, diggers, boots, and hoses, further highlighting the scale of the illegal activities.
