Cross River Gets Tough On Illegal Mining, 10 Suspects In Custody

Cross River Task Force Arrests 10 Suspected Illegal Miners in Yakurr

The Cross River State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force has arrested 10 suspected illegal miners in Yakurr Local Government Area, as part of intensified efforts to curb unlawful mining activities across the state.

According to iReporter Online, the suspects, who are reportedly non-indigenes, were caught mining illegally within the Central Senatorial District, specifically around Yakurr, raising further concerns about external exploitation of the state’s mineral resources.

The Chairman of the Task Force, Prince Paul Effiong, made the disclosure during an interview in Calabar.

He reiterated the Task Force’s resolve to shut all loopholes in Cross River’s mining sector, stating that no level of intimidation from influential individuals would derail their mission.

Effiong, who has been at the center of a legal battle with a former federal lawmaker representing Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency, said the Task Force’s recent actions were lawful and in the public interest.

The former legislator had filed Suit No. FHC/PHC/CS/147/2025 at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, seeking redress over the seizure of mining equipment worth N200 million and the closure of his mining site in Akamkpa.

However, according to iReporter Online, Effiong dismissed the lawsuit as a distraction and reaffirmed his commitment to cleaning up the sector.

He accused certain political actors of using legal threats to shield illegal operations from scrutiny.

Effiong further warned that illegal mining is contributing to severe environmental damage, citing deforestation, land degradation, and water pollution across several local government areas—including Yakurr, Akamkpa, Biase, Boki, Obubra, Ikom, and Obanliku.

According to iReporter Online, the Task Force has pledged to ramp up enforcement and continue identifying violators, regardless of their status or affiliations, in order to safeguard the environment and ensure the sustainable use of Cross River’s natural resources.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”