Cross River illegal mining crackdown leads to 40 arrests as state ramps up operations to protect forests and natural resources from unlicensed miners.

Cross River illegal mining has come under intense scrutiny as the state government arrested over 40 suspected miners in the Akamkpa Local Government Area. The operation was conducted by the State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce following weeks of surveillance targeting unlawful mining camps.

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Prince Paul Effiong, Chairman of the Taskforce, told journalists in Calabar on Friday that the arrests form part of the state’s broader efforts to protect its mineral-rich forests. He revealed that 20 other suspects were apprehended in August across the Yakurr LGA and Uyanga forest, bringing the total to 60 within three months.

“In the past three years, over 5,000 illegal miners have invaded Biase, Yakurr, and Akamkpa LGAs, including areas within the Cross River National Park, searching for gold and other precious stones,” Effiong said. “Many of these invaders are heavily armed and hail from Northern Nigeria and the Sahel region.”

Effiong stressed that the state government remains committed to halting illegal mining and safeguarding the 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 said.

Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals posing as miners, as some infiltrators may attempt to gain trust before engaging in criminal or terrorist activities.

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The crackdown underscores Cross River’s determination to enforce the law and preserve its natural resources while deterring illegal activities that threaten the environment and local communities.