Two individuals who are allegedly connected to an armed syndicate that intimidated licensed miners in the state’s Yakurr Local Government Area and unlawfully occupied their mining site have been detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Cross River State Command.
While parading the suspects on Wednesday in Calabar, State Commandant Okarama Chuna revealed this to reporters at the command headquarters.
“Operatives of the Corps stormed a mining site in Agba Iyam in Yakurr LGA of the state following credible intelligence from members of the public,” he stated.
“Oduwo Emmanuel Obasi, 24, and Stephen Ibang Francis, 34, both residents of Nkpani village in Yakurr LGA, were captured by the operatives during the raid.”
He stated that 16 rounds of live ammo and two locally manufactured guns were discovered in the suspects’ possession.
According to the commandant, investigations showed that the accused were armed enforcers who had transformed the mining site into a violent theater in addition to being illegal miners.
“They are armed enforcers.” Legitimate miners are their primary focus. They use locally made weapons to violently equip themselves, storm mining sites, and pursue the Agba Iyam population.
“They systematically terrorize, intimidate, and forcibly remove the legitimate miners from the site using these weapons.” He clarified, “These criminals take over and collaborate over the site to illegally mine and cart away precious solid minerals once the legal operators flee out of fear for their lives.”
The raid, according to the commandant, was a significant advancement in the command’s aggressive and continuous kinetic operations against economic saboteurs who are stealing the state’s solid natural riches.
Additionally, Chuna issued a strong warning to other armed syndicates and illegal miners working in Cross River’s woods, emphasizing that the Corps will launch an uncompromising and final crackdown on these groups operating under the pretense of mining.
“Our commonwealth will no longer be plundered and respectable investors intimidated. That time has passed. Solid minerals are important national resources.
The commandant declared, “We have superior firepower, we have the intelligence network, and we have the will to crush those who think they can bear unauthorized arms to intimidate lawful miners and investors.”
The commandant added that the command was stepping up its investigations to capture more fugitive members of the gang and promised that legal and licensed miners would receive the security cover they needed to work freely and contribute to the state’s economic development.
“The exhibits and suspects are being held and have provided insightful statements. In an effort to capture more fugitive gang members, the command is stepping up its investigations.
“They will be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction for illegal mining, unlawful possession of firearms, intimidation, and illegal mining once investigations are concluded,” he stated.
Additionally, the commandant thanked the people for providing information to the command and encouraged them to keep doing so.
“I am grateful to the public for providing us with reliable information. You are contributing to the safety of your communities when you notice anything and speak out,” he stated.
