In Cross River State, Nigeria, a coordinated operation by the Federal Mines Officer, Engr. Mayowa Omosebi, the state Commissioner for Mineral Resources, and security personnel led to the arrest of several illegal miners. Their equipment and mining sites were seized during a crackdown on illicit mining activities.
This initiative, which involved the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the Cross River State Government, was spurred by increasing illegal mining in the Cross River National Park and other areas, which has caused environmental damage and security issues. The arrests were made following intelligence reports and instructions from the Governor aimed at addressing the adverse effects of these activities on the environment, economy, and local security.
The task force’s actions included inspecting a vandalized artisanal mineral processing plant, which had been damaged despite its potential to benefit local youths. They also visited unauthorized mining sites, including illegal quarries and sand dredging locations operated without government sanction. The state government reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal mining and mitigating its negative impacts on the community and ecosystem.