The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has warned individuals, companies and organised syndicates involved in the unlawful extraction of mineral resources in the state to desist or face decisive law enforcement action.
The warning is contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Timfon John, on Sunday in Uyo.
John said the command had launched an intensified crackdown on illegal mining activities across the state.
He said the renewed offensive followed intelligence reports indicating the existence of suspected unauthorised mining and excavation activities in some parts of the state.
The police spokesperson said the illegal activities had raised concerns over environmental degradation, economic sabotage, public safety and other security implications.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, 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.
Azare directed that unauthorised mining sites be identified, persons and organisations connected with such activities profiled, the movement of mining equipment and mineral resources monitored, and individuals reasonably suspected of operating outside the provisions of the law investigated.
The commissioner warned that the command would not allow the state to become a haven for illegal mining activities or criminal networks seeking to exploit its natural resources for personal gain.
“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, among others,” he said.
Azare said the command was 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 were properly targeted.
The commissioner 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 were not unnecessarily disrupted.
He assured the public that credible information provided to the command would be treated with appropriate confidentiality.
Azare further cautioned residents of the state 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.
He said the command would continue to conduct intelligence-led operations aimed at identifying illegal mining locations, dismantling unlawful networks and bringing offenders to justice.
The commissioner said the command remained resolute in its determination to maintain law and order and ensure that persons engaging in activities capable of threatening the security, environment and economic wellbeing of the state were held accountable.