By Onwa Ekor
Cross River Anti-illegal mining taskforce said it recently arrested several suspects found in possession of 24 AK-47 rifles.
Chairman of the Taskforce, Mr. Paul Effiong, disclosed this while addressing journalists after a thanksgiving service held in his honour at The Fountain of Rehoboth Ministry, WAPI Junction, Calabar, to mark his 40th birthday anniversary.
Effiong said the arrest and arms recovery signals a dangerous escalation in the state’s battle against illegal mining, warning that criminal mining syndicates have grown bolder, deadlier, and better equipped.
“We cannot pretend anymore, these people are not just illegal miners; they are armed militants disguised as businessmen.
“In the course of our operations, we recovered 24 AK-47 rifles from suspects who resisted arrest and had previously disarmed some of our operatives and we handed the weapons and suspects over to the appropriate authorities,” Effiong disclosed.
He further revealed that he and members of his family survived three separate car accidents in one week, believing that these were not coincidental but connected to his clampdown on activities of illegal miners.
His words: “My mother, my wife and my daughter were all involved in separate auto crashes, these threats and attempts on our lives won’t deter us, we are confronting powerful people who are ready to go to any length to protect their illegal interests.”
The Taskforce chairman lamented the level of resistance his team has encountered, admitting that some of the illegal miners are backed by highly connected individuals who bankroll operations and hire thugs to intimidate and obstruct enforcement.
Despite these dangers, Effiong reaffirmed his commitment to the cause, urging other public servants to draw strength from their faith and remain focused.
At the thanksgiving event, General Overseer of Rehoboth Centre, Pastor Douglas Vincent, applauded Effiong’s courage and warned him to be wary of sycophants.
“Those who cheer you today may flee at the first sign of trouble. Stay rooted in God, and keep your purpose clear,” the clergyman advised.
The arrests and seizure of military-grade rifles have raised serious security concerns, particularly on the increasing link between illegal mining and armed violence in resource-rich regions.
Authorities are now under pressure to dismantle the broader network behind the illicit operations and tighten enforcement measures.
