By Authorities in Cross River State arrested more than 200 suspected illegal miners on Sunday in a coordinated crackdown led by the state’s Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce and local vigilantes from Abi Local Government Area.
The suspects were intercepted at the Itigidi/Ediba highway checkpoint while attempting to sneak into the state using trucks disguised as regular cargo transport vehicles. Upon inspection, officials discovered mining tools and dangerous weapons hidden in the trucks.
This arrest is one of the largest in recent months and comes just weeks after a similar operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) led to the capture of 21 illegal miners across Biase, Yakurr, and Obubra LGAs.
Speaking after the operation, Chairman of the Joint Taskforce, Prince Paul Effiong, praised the quick response and intelligence gathering by his team and local volunteers. “Our operation in Abi was swift and coordinated… Cross River will not serve as a haven for illegal miners,” he said.
Council chairman of Abi LGA, Egbala Bassey, ordered that all suspects be repatriated to their respective states. He also instructed security teams to confiscate the trucks and seized equipment in line with local and state laws.
Mr. Friday Okpa, Special Adviser on Peace and Security, reaffirmed the administration’s openness to lawful movement but warned that Abi would not be used as a launchpad for illegal mining operations.
