The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River State Command, has arrested two men allegedly linked to an armed syndicate accused of terrorising licensed miners and illegally exploiting solid minerals in Yakurr Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as 34-year-old Stephen Ibiang Francis and 24-year-old Gideon Emmanuel Okoi, were arrested during a raid on a mining site in Agoi Ibami, Yakurr LGA, following intelligence reportedly provided by members of the public.
According to the NSCDC State Commandant, CC Okarazu Chima, the operation was carried out on August 19, 2026.
The Commandant said the suspects, both from Nkpani village in Yakurr, were allegedly found with two locally fabricated firearms and materials suspected to be charms.
Okarazu alleged that the suspects were operating as armed enforcers at the mining site, using weapons and charms to intimidate licensed miners and force them to abandon their operations.
He said the alleged strategy was to scare legitimate operators away before the suspects and their associates took control of the mining area and illegally extracted solid minerals.
“They operate as armed enforcers,” the Commandant said.
The development has raised fresh concerns over the security of mining communities in Cross River, particularly as the state continues to attract attention for its solid mineral resources.
The NSCDC described the arrests as a major breakthrough in its ongoing operations against illegal mining and what it called economic sabotage in the state.
The Commandant warned illegal miners and armed groups operating in Cross River forests that the security agencies would intensify efforts to dismantle such operations.
He also assured licensed miners that the Corps would provide the necessary security support to enable them to operate without intimidation.
The two suspects remain in custody and have reportedly made statements to investigators. The NSCDC said investigations are continuing, including efforts to identify the alleged manufacturers of the firearms and locate other members of the syndicate who are still at large.
The suspects are expected to face prosecution after investigations are concluded, with the NSCDC citing alleged offences including illegal possession of firearms, armed intimidation and illegal mining.
The Command also urged residents to continue providing security information that could help authorities tackle criminal activities around mining sites across the state.
Post A Comment: