The Akwa Ibom Government has set up a task force to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the state. The Commissioner for Environment, Nsikak Ekong, said many illegal mining sites had been shut down. He spoke in Uyo. He revealed that some illegal miners operate at night and leave without notice. The task force will intensify tracking of such operations.
Akwa Ibom has faced a proliferation of illegal mining activities, often carried out by foreigners. In 2025, Governor Umo Eno inaugurated a State Committee on Combating Illegal Mining to regulate mineral resource activities. The committee, chaired by Ekong, shut down two firms suspected of culpability. The state government has expressed concern over the environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining.
Ekong described the illegal miners as thieves. “Most of them sneak in the night, do the mining, degrade our environment and run away,” he said. “We have a task force in place that is dealing with them.” The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical teams and intelligence formations to increase surveillance. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Timfon John said the police would identify unauthorised mining sites, profile persons and organisations connected with illegal mining, and monitor the movement of mining equipment and mineral resources. The Command is concerned that unregulated mining sites could become cover for trafficking, unlawful possession of dangerous weapons and concealment of criminal proceeds. The police urged traditional rulers, community leaders, landowners and residents to verify the identities, licences and approvals of persons seeking to undertake mining activities in their areas.
Winners: The Akwa Ibom Government, which shows enforcement. The police, which demonstrates coordination. Communities, if environmental degradation is reduced. Legal mining operators, who face less unfair competition. Losers: Illegal miners, who face arrest. Their sponsors and financiers, who face investigation. Communities that depend on informal mining income. The environment, if enforcement lapses.
Bottom Line: Akwa Ibom is fighting illegal mining. The task force is active. The police are watching. Illegal miners operate at night. They degrade the land and leave. The state is acting. Enforcement must be sustained.