Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Cross River State Government has imposed a sweeping ban on illegal mining activities across the state, ordering all unauthorized operators to immediately stop operations and vacate mining sites. The directive, issued by Governor Bassey Edet Otu, is part of a broader crackdown aimed at protecting communities, safeguarding the environment, and restoring control over the exploitation of the state’s mineral resources.
Governor Otu announced the measure following increasing security alerts and environmental concerns linked to the rapid expansion of unregulated mining operations across several local government areas. The governor said the state had initially exercised patience while monitoring developments in the sector but had now decided that decisive action was necessary to stop activities that threaten both public safety and natural ecosystems. According to the governor, the directive means that all illegal mining activities must cease immediately throughout Cross River State.
The ban affects numerous mineral-rich areas where unauthorized mining has expanded over recent years. Communities in Yakurr, Biase, Akamkpa, Etung, Obubra, Boki, Ikom, Obanliku and surrounding areas have witnessed a surge in informal mining operations targeting valuable minerals including gold, limestone and gemstones such as tourmaline. Investigations indicate that many of these activities are carried out without government licenses or environmental approvals, creating a parallel mining economy operating outside legal frameworks.
Illegal mining has gradually developed into a major crisis in the state. Over the past three years, more than 5,000 illegal miners reportedly moved into several communities, particularly in Biase, Yakurr and Akamkpa local government areas, as well as parts of the Cross River National Park. Many of the miners are believed to have travelled from other regions of Nigeria and neighbouring Sahel countries in search of precious minerals. Authorities say the influx of armed and unregulated miners has heightened fears about security risks and social instability in rural communities.
Security officials have repeatedly warned that illegal mining camps sometimes become bases for criminal activity. Some suspects arrested in earlier raids were reportedly found with firearms, raising concerns about possible connections between illegal mining networks and other crimes such as banditry and smuggling. Analysts say these developments have contributed to the government’s decision to intensify enforcement measures across the state.
Environmental destruction has been another major factor behind the government’s action. Illegal mining operations often involve uncontrolled excavation, tree felling and chemical processing of minerals, which damage ecosystems and contaminate water sources. Rivers and streams used by nearby communities have reportedly been polluted by mining waste, while farmlands have been destroyed by indiscriminate digging. Experts say such activities threaten the livelihoods of farmers and residents who rely on agriculture and forest resources.
Cross River is home to some of Nigeria’s most important rainforest ecosystems, including the Cross River National Park and large forest reserves that support diverse wildlife and biodiversity. Environmental researchers warn that unregulated mining accelerates deforestation and soil degradation, undermining conservation efforts in a state already facing significant forest loss over recent decades.
To enforce the new ban, Governor Otu directed security agencies and the State Security Adviser to intensify monitoring of known mining areas. Authorities also ordered the Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force to begin round-the-clock surveillance of vulnerable locations to ensure that unauthorized operators do not continue mining activities secretly. The directive includes the dismantling of illegal camps and seizure of equipment used in unlawful mining operations.
The government has also instructed individuals and companies interested in mining within the state to undergo proper profiling and verification through the state’s Ministry of Mineral Resources before beginning operations. Officials emphasized that only operators with valid federal mining licenses and environmental approvals will be allowed to conduct legitimate mining activities in Cross River.
The crackdown follows several enforcement operations carried out over the past year by the state’s Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force. In December 2025 alone, more than 60 suspected illegal miners were arrested during coordinated raids in Akamkpa and other affected areas. Authorities said the operations were designed to dismantle organized mining networks that had established camps in remote forests and rural communities.
Officials involved in the enforcement effort say the operations have also targeted foreign nationals suspected of participating in illegal mining activities. In some cases, immigration authorities have been asked to identify and deport foreigners found to be involved in unlawful mineral extraction. The government believes that removing external actors from the sector will help reduce organized exploitation of the state’s mineral resources.
Community leaders across several affected local government areas have welcomed the government’s decision. Many residents say illegal mining has damaged farmland, polluted water supplies and triggered conflicts within communities. Some traditional rulers have also faced scrutiny after allegations that certain local leaders may have facilitated access to mining sites in exchange for financial benefits.
Stone Reporters note that illegal mining has become a major governance challenge across Nigeria, where weak regulation and economic hardship often push individuals toward unlicensed mineral extraction. Experts say unemployment and poverty continue to drive many young people into artisanal mining despite the environmental and safety risks involved.
Authorities in Cross River say the ban is not intended to eliminate mining entirely but rather to restore order and establish a regulated industry that benefits the state and its residents. The government has indicated plans to conduct geological mapping and develop stronger oversight mechanisms to attract responsible investors while ensuring environmental compliance and community protection.
As enforcement operations begin across the state, security agencies are expected to maintain surveillance of mining areas while authorities continue efforts to dismantle illegal networks operating in forest reserves and rural communities. The success of the ban will likely depend on sustained enforcement, cooperation from local communities and stronger regulation of Nigeria’s broader mining sector.
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