Akwa Ibom police move against illegal mining syndicate

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining, directing its formations across the state to identify and dismantle unauthorised mining operations and investigate those behind them.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical teams and intelligence units to step up surveillance and intelligence gathering around suspected illegal mining sites.

The directive followed intelligence reports of unauthorised mining and excavation activities in parts of the state, raising concerns over environmental degradation, economic losses and possible security threats.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said in Uyo on Sunday that the command would investigate individuals, companies and syndicates suspected of extracting, processing or transporting mineral resources without the required approvals.

She said the operation would involve identifying illegal mining sites, profiling persons and organisations linked to them, monitoring the movement of mining equipment and mineral resources, and gathering evidence for possible prosecution.

Azare warned that the command would not allow Akwa Ibom to become a haven for illegal miners or criminal networks exploiting the state’s natural resources.

He said illegal mining could destroy farmlands, pollute water sources, worsen erosion and expose residents to dangerous excavation sites, while depriving government and host communities of legitimate economic benefits.

The command is also concerned that poorly regulated mining sites could provide cover for other criminal activities, including trafficking, movement of dangerous weapons and concealment of proceeds from crime.

To address the threat, the police said they would work with relevant federal and state agencies responsible for mining regulation, environmental protection and related matters.

The commissioner stressed that the operation was not targeted at legitimate mining businesses, adding that duly licensed operators complying with applicable laws had nothing to fear.

He, however, warned that anyone mining without proper authorisation, or financing, sponsoring, concealing or providing logistical support for illegal operations, would be investigated and prosecuted where sufficient evidence was established.

The police also urged traditional rulers, village heads, youth leaders, landowners and other community stakeholders to verify the identities, licences and approvals of individuals or companies seeking access to community land for mining.

Azare encouraged residents to report suspicious excavation activities, the movement of heavy mining equipment, unusual transportation of mineral resources and the sudden emergence of mining camps.

According to him, credible information supplied to the command would be treated confidentially, while warning residents against confronting suspected illegal miners or taking the law into their own hands.

He said the command would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations to locate illegal mining sites, disrupt unlawful networks and bring offenders to justice.

Azare urged security agencies, regulatory bodies, traditional institutions, community leaders and residents to support the campaign, stressing that protecting lives, property, the environment and the state’s natural resources required collective action.

“Akwa Ibom State will not be turned into a haven for illegal miners. Anyone who chooses to exploit the natural resources of the state outside the law should be prepared to face the consequences,” he warned.