C’River gov bans illegal mining, orders 24-hour surveillance after PUNCH report
File photo: Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu,
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has announced a ban on illegal mining across the state following a strategic meeting with critical stakeholders in the sector.
The directive, which takes immediate effect and excludes operators with legitimate federal approvals, aims to restore order and transparency in an industry increasingly linked to security and environmental concerns.
PUNCH Online had reported on December 22, 2025, how illegal mining in the state has deprived the government of revenue, destroyed ecosystems, and exposed workers to deadly conditions.
The investigation highlighted that unregulated mining triggers widespread deforestation, soil degradation, and poses major environmental, economic, and health risks to surrounding communities.
Speaking during Friday’s meeting in Calabar, the state capital, Otu said the state could no longer tolerate a sector with enormous economic potential becoming a source of instability and social disruption.
“This sector is strategic to the economic future of our state. But instead of bringing prosperity to our communities, it is gradually becoming a source of serious concern.
“We believe wealth can still be created from mining, but it must be done ethically, legally and with full responsibility,” he said.
Otu noted that intelligence reports indicated a worrying influx of unregulated operators into mining communities, including foreign nationals whose identities and operations were largely unknown to the state.
“I have been receiving reports about the influx of strangers and aliens into our various communities. The truth is that we do not even know how many of these operators there are. We must know those who are in our state and what exactly they are doing in our environment,” he stated.
He also lamented that some local actors had compounded the problem by facilitating illegal activities.
“Some of the people complicating this situation are, unfortunately, within our own communities. Some clan heads and village heads have become part of the problem by facilitating activities that are not properly regulated,” Otu added.
Otu disclosed that the state government had previously sought to manage the issue through dialogue and collaboration with federal authorities, including security agencies responsible for monitoring mining operations.
“I personally initiated discussions with federal authorities and security agencies to strengthen monitoring in the sector.
“There were assurances that rangers would be deployed to assist us, but the process has taken far too long, and the few personnel on the ground are clearly insufficient considering the scale of the problem,” he said.
He stressed that after months of patience and observation, the state must take firmer action to protect its communities and natural resources.
“We have given enough time of grace; there comes a point where the government must act decisively. That time has now come,” he said.
Announcing the new directive, Otu declared that all illegal mining activities must cease immediately across Cross River State.
“I am imposing a total ban on illegal mining in this state. Let everyone return to their locations. When you are ready to come back, you must first report to the Ministry and be properly profiled before any activity resumes,” he added.
