By; Patrick Titus, Uyo
No more hiding place for illegal miners in Akwa Ibom State as police has launched an intensified crackdown on illegal mining activities across the state, warning individuals, companies and organized syndicates involved in the unlawful extraction, processing or transportation of mineral resources to desist immediately or face decisive law enforcement action.
The renewed offensive follows intelligence reports indicating the existence of suspected unauthorized mining and excavation activities in some parts of the state, with attendant concerns over environmental degradation, economic sabotage, public safety and other security implications.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, through a statement on Sunday, by the Command’s Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John, has directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical teams and intelligence formations across the state to increase surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement around suspected illegal mining locations.
The directive includes the identification of unauthorized mining sites, profiling of persons and organizations connected with such activities, monitoring of the movement of mining equipment and mineral resources, and the investigation of individuals reasonably suspected of operating outside the provisions of the law.
CP Azare warned that the Command will not allow Akwa Ibom State to become a haven for illegal mining activities or for criminal networks seeking to exploit the state’s natural resources for personal gain.
According to the CP, illegal mining does not only deprive government and communities of legitimate economic benefits, but can also lead to the destruction of farmlands, environmental pollution, erosion, contamination of water sources, unsafe excavation sites and other hazards capable of endangering residents.
Of particular concern to the Command is the possibility that unregulated mining sites could provide cover for other criminal activities, including the movement of suspicious persons, trafficking, unlawful possession of dangerous weapons and the concealment of criminal proceeds.
The Police Command is therefore adopting a coordinated approach, working with relevant Federal and State Government agencies responsible for mining regulation, environmental protection and related matters to ensure that enforcement actions are properly targeted.
CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has directed officers involved in the operation to act professionally, responsibly and strictly within the confines of the law, while ensuring that genuine and duly licensed mining operators are not unnecessarily disrupted.
The Commissioner of Police made it clear that the Command’s action is not targeted at legitimate businesses. individuals and companies with valid licences and approvals who operate in accordance with applicable laws and regulations have nothing to fear.
However, persons found engaging in mining activities without the appropriate authorization, or those who aid, sponsor, finance, conceal or provide logistical support for unlawful mining operations, will be thoroughly investigated and, where sufficient evidence exists, prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Traditional rulers, village heads, community leaders, youth leaders, landowners and residents are also strongly advised to exercise due diligence before allowing individuals or organizations access to community lands for mining or excavation purposes.
Communities are urged to verify the identities, licences and approvals of persons seeking to undertake mining activities within their areas and to promptly report suspicious operations to the Police or appropriate regulatory agencies.
The Command particularly encourages members of the public to report unusual excavation activities, movement of heavy-duty mining equipment, suspicious transportation of mineral resources and the sudden establishment of mining camps in locations where such operations have not previously been known to exist.
The Commissioner of Police assured the public that credible information provided to the Command will be treated with appropriate confidentiality.
He further cautioned residents against confronting suspected illegal miners or taking the law into their own hands, stressing that all reports should be forwarded to the Police for professional investigation and necessary action.
The Command will continue to conduct intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying illegal mining locations, dismantling unlawful networks and bringing offenders to justice.
CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has reiterated that the protection of lives, property, natural resources and the economic interests of Akwa Ibom State remains a priority of the Command.
He therefore called for the cooperation of all stakeholders, emphasizing that the fight against illegal mining requires the collective responsibility of security agencies, regulatory bodies, traditional institutions, community leaders and members of the public.
“Akwa Ibom State will not be turned into a safe 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,” the Commissioner of Police warned.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to maintain law and order and to ensure that persons engaging in activities capable of threatening the security, environment and economic wellbeing of the State are held accountable.
