Security forces in Cross River State have apprehended several illegal miners, suspected to be foreigners, during a sting operation led by the State Security Adviser, Major General (retd) O. U. Obono.
The arrests occurred on Saturday morning near Ugep, as the suspects attempted to evade an army checkpoint. Travelling in several empty trucks from the northern part of the state, the group was reportedly headed for Calabar, the state capital.
Authorities revealed that the suspects, aged between 12 and 26, were caught with various mining tools, including diggers, shovels, drilling machines, and other earth-drilling equipment. Upon interrogation, many confessed to being non-Nigerians, according to security personnel involved in the operation.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Irene Ugbo, stated that she had not yet received official information about the arrests.
Increasing Influx of Foreign Miners
Cross River State has recently seen a surge in the activities of illegal miners, driven by foreign nationals exploiting the state’s rich natural resources. Local officials have raised concerns over the economic and environmental consequences of this unchecked exploitation.
Last year, Bette Philip Obi, a member of the Cross River State House of Assembly representing Boki 1 State Constituency, sounded the alarm about the growing problem. He disclosed that over 1,000 illegal miners had invaded his community, highlighting the scale of the issue during a session in the Assembly.
Obi’s revelation focused on the activities of foreign miners in Okwa 1, Okwa 2, and Ukwango communities in Boki Local Government Area. He presented the matter as one of urgent public importance, urging state authorities to take decisive action to curb the illegal activities threatening the livelihoods of local residents and the sustainability of their environment.
A Call for Action
The arrests in Ugep mark a significant step in Cross River State’s efforts to address illegal miners activities. However, the problem persists on a larger scale, with foreign miners continually targeting the state’s forest reserves. The lack of adequate regulation and enforcement has allowed these activities to flourish, depriving the state of valuable revenue and leaving lasting damage to its ecosystems.
State authorities, including the legislature and security agencies, have called for stricter monitoring and enforcement measures to prevent further encroachment by illegal miners. With evidence of foreign nationals playing a prominent role in these activities, the need for international collaboration has also been emphasised.
The government must prioritise protecting its natural resources and ensuring that local communities benefit from the wealth generated by mining activities. Failure to act decisively risks further exploitation and environmental degradation, undermining the state’s economic and social stability.
Way Forward
The recent operation in Ugep underscores the importance of robust security measures to combat illegal miners and illegal mining. The state government must continue to intensify efforts to monitor vulnerable areas, prosecute offenders, and implement sustainable mining practices.
Furthermore, collaboration between local communities and government agencies is essential to identifying illegal activities and ensuring that resources are managed responsibly. Strengthening border controls and improving intelligence-sharing mechanisms could also help reduce the influx of foreign miners exploiting the state’s resources.
As Cross River grapples with this challenge, the arrests in Ugep serve as a reminder of the need for vigilance and decisive action to protect its natural wealth for future generations.
