The Cross River State Government has intensified its campaign against illegal mining with the arrest of over 40 suspected illegal miners in a forest within the 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.
Chairman of the Taskforce, Prince Paul Effiong, confirmed the development on Friday in Calabar, describing it as part of the government’s ongoing effort to protect mineral-rich forest reserves from exploitation by unlicensed operators.
Effiong said the latest operation adds to a growing number of arrests, with 20 suspects apprehended earlier in August across the Yakurr LGA and Uyanga forest—bringing the total to 60 arrests in three months.
He disclosed that over the past three years, more than 5,000 illegal miners have invaded parts of Biase, Yakurr, and Akamkpa LGAs, including areas within the Cross River National Park, in search of gold and other valuable minerals.
“The past three years have seen an alarming influx of illegal miners into our communities, particularly Biase, Yakurr, and Akamkpa. Many of them are heavily armed and come from Northern Nigeria and the Sahel region,” Effiong said.
He reaffirmed the state government’s determination to end the menace and protect 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,” he stated.
Effiong further urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or strangers claiming to be miners, warning that some infiltrators might attempt to deceive local communities before engaging in criminal or terrorist acts.
The crackdown underscores the state government’s broader resolve to tighten regulation, curb illegal resource exploitation, and ensure that mining activities contribute responsibly to Cross River’s economy.
