-
Police launch statewide crackdown on illegal mining sites and syndicates in Akwa Ibom.
-
Financiers and facilitators face investigation as police target the networks supporting unauthorised mining.
-
State task force shuts down sites, with government accusing some operators of conducting mining activities at night.
-
Communities urged to report suspicious operations and verify mining licences before granting access to land.
September 29, (THEWILL) – The Akwa Ibom Police Command has launched a statewide crackdown on illegal mining syndicates, deploying intelligence and tactical units to identify and dismantle unauthorised mining sites and investigate individuals and organisations financing or facilitating the activities.
The operation is being carried out in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Government, which has also established a task force to shut down illegal mining sites and track operators accused of degrading the environment.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said in a statement that the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, had directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical teams and intelligence formations across the state to intensify surveillance and intelligence gathering around suspected illegal mining locations.
The Command said the renewed operation followed intelligence indicating the existence of illegal mining and excavation activities in parts of the state, warning that such activities could threaten public safety, the environment and the state’s economic interests.
According to the police, illegal mining could result in the destruction of farmlands, environmental pollution, erosion, contamination of water sources and the creation of dangerous excavation sites.
The Command also expressed concern that unregulated mining locations could provide cover for other criminal activities, including trafficking, unlawful possession of dangerous weapons and concealment of criminal proceeds.
The police said it would profile persons and organisations connected with suspected illegal mining activities, monitor the movement of mining equipment and mineral resources, and investigate suspected offenders in accordance with the law.
The Command stressed, however, that the operation was not targeted at legitimate mining businesses, saying operators with valid licences and who comply with applicable laws had nothing to fear.
It warned that individuals and companies operating without the required authorisation, as well as those who finance, sponsor, conceal or provide logistical support for illegal mining, would face investigation and possible prosecution where sufficient evidence was established.
READ ALSO:
Speaking exclusively with THEWILL, DSP John said the Command would rely on intelligence gathering and coordinated enforcement to stop unauthorised mining while protecting legitimate operators.
“Our focus is to identify and stop mining activities that are being carried out without the required authorisation and that pose security, environmental or economic risks to the state”, DSP John said.
He added that the police would work with regulatory agencies and communities to ensure that enforcement was based on credible intelligence and evidence.
“Legitimate operators with valid licences should continue to operate within the law, while anyone financing, sponsoring or facilitating illegal mining should be prepared to face the consequences of the law”, he added.
On its part, the state government said its task force had already shut down several illegal mining operations across the state.
The Commissioner for Environment, Nsikak Ekong, said some illegal miners operated mainly at night, carrying out excavation before leaving the locations undetected.
“We have illegal miners all over the state; they are like thieves. As a ministry under the ARISE Agenda, the governor has set up a task force to go after these people. So far, we have been able to close down a lot of those activities in the state”, Ekong said.
He added that the task force was intensifying efforts to track operators who enter communities at night, degrade the environment and leave before enforcement teams arrive.
The police urged traditional rulers, village heads, youth leaders, landowners and other community stakeholders to verify the identities, licences and approvals of persons seeking access to community lands for mining or excavation.
Residents were also advised to report suspicious excavation, mining camps, the movement of heavy-duty mining equipment and unusual transportation of mineral resources to the police or appropriate regulatory authorities.
The Command cautioned residents against confronting suspected illegal miners, urging them instead to provide credible information to law enforcement agencies for professional investigation.
It reiterated that the protection of lives, property, natural resources and the economic interests of Akwa Ibom remained a priority, while calling for cooperation among security agencies, regulatory authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents.
