NSCDC ARRESTS TWO ARMED SUSPECTS AT CROSS RIVER MINING SITE
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Cross River State Command, has arrested two suspected members of an armed syndicate accused of terrorising licensed miners and illegally taking over a mining site in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.
The State Commandant, Okarama Chuna, disclosed this on Wednesday in Calabar while parading the suspects at the command headquarters.
According to Chuna, NSCDC operatives raided a mining site in Agba Iyam community following credible information from members of the public, leading to the arrest of 34-year-old Stephen Ibang Francis and 24-year-old Oduwo Emmanuel Obasi, both from Nkpani village in Yakurr.
The suspects were allegedly found in possession of two locally fabricated firearms and 16 rounds of live ammunition.
The commandant said investigations showed that the suspects allegedly operated as armed enforcers, targeting legitimate miners by using firearms to intimidate and force them off the mining site.
He alleged that after driving away licensed miners, the syndicate took control of the site and illegally extracted and transported valuable solid minerals.
Chuna described the operation as a major breakthrough in the command’s efforts to tackle illegal mining and the activities of economic saboteurs exploiting Cross River’s mineral resources.
He warned illegal miners and armed groups operating in the state’s forests that the Corps would intensify its crackdown on criminal activities linked to illegal mining.
The commandant assured licensed miners and investors of adequate security, adding that the NSCDC was expanding its investigation to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate.
He said the suspects and recovered exhibits remained in custody and that they would be prosecuted after investigations for offences including illegal mining, unlawful possession of firearms and intimidation.
Chuna also commended members of the public for providing information that led to the arrests, urging residents to continue supporting security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
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