Two Arrested for Armed Mining Activities in Cross River

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Cross River State has arrested two suspects linked to an armed group that has been disturbing licensed miners in Yakurr Local Government Area. They were also illegally occupying a mining site.

The State Commandant, Okarama Chuna, shared this news with reporters on Wednesday in Calabar while showing the suspects to the public.

He said, "Operatives of the Corps stormed a mining site in Agba Iyam in Yakurr LGA after receiving credible information from members of the public."

During the operation, the officers caught Stephen Ibang Francis, 34, and Oduwo Emmanuel Obasi, 24. Both men are from Nkpani village in Yakurr LGA.

The commandant revealed that the suspects had two locally made guns and 16 rounds of live ammunition with them.

He explained that these suspects were not just illegal miners. They acted as armed enforcers who turned the mining site into a place of violence.

"They operate as armed enforcers. Their main target is legitimate miners. They arm themselves with locally made guns, raid mining sites, and force the miners in Agba Iyam community to flee."

He added, "They use these weapons to systematically terrorise, intimidate, and violently push out the genuine miners. When the legal miners flee in fear for their lives, these criminals take control and illegally mine the site."

The commandant called the operation a big success in their ongoing fight against those disrupting the state’s solid mineral resources.

Chuna also warned other illegal miners and armed groups in Cross River that the Corps would continue to crack down on them. He said they would not allow any group to intimidate legitimate miners.

"There will be no time for scaring lawful investors and stealing our resources. That time is finished. Solid minerals are important national assets."

He continued, "For those who think they can carry illegal arms to scare lawful miners, we are ready. We have better firepower, a strong intelligence network, and the determination to stop them."

The commandant promised that licensed miners would receive the security they need to operate safely and help the state’s economy. He also said they were broadening their investigations to catch more fleeing members of the armed group.

"The suspects and the weapons are with us, and they have given useful information. We are expanding our investigations to find others from the group."

He added, "Once we finish our investigations, we will take them to court for illegal mining, unlawful possession of firearms, and intimidation."

Chuna praised the public for their help and encouraged them to keep sharing information.

"I thank the public for giving us trustworthy information. When you see something and speak up, you help protect your communities," he said.