{
  "id": 10482789,
  "title": "A/Ibom sets up task force to clamp down on illegal mining",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/a-ibom-sets-up-task-force-to-clamp-down-on-illegal-mining",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T15:48:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/a-ibom-sets-up-task-force-to-clamp-down-on-illegal-mining/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Akwa Ibom Government has established a task force dedicated to combating illegal mining activities within the state. Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Nsikak Ekong, disclosed during a press conference in Uyo that numerous illegal mining sites have already been dismantled. He emphasized the nocturnal operations of these miners, who often disappear without a trace, highlighting that the task force would dedicate special attention to tracking such clandestine activities. \"Many illegal miners are operating throughout the state, akin to thieves,\" Ekong noted, explaining that the task force's primary objective is to tackle this issue. The task force, under the auspices of the ARISE agenda, was recently formed by the Governor. To date, significant progress has been made in halting these illicit operations. Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, directed his command to ramp up surveillance and intelligence gathering efforts across the state. CP Azare instructed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical units, and intelligence teams to intensify monitoring of suspected illegal mining sites. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the Police intend to identify unauthorized mining premises, profile individuals and entities involved in illegal mining, and closely monitor the movement of mining equipment and mineral resources. John stressed that unregulated mining sites could potentially serve as havens for other criminal activities such as human trafficking, unlawful possession of dangerous weapons, and concealment of illicit funds. The Police Command aims to collaborate closely with federal and state entities responsible for mining regulation, environmental protection, and related matters to ensure targeted enforcement actions. CP Azare clarified that the Police's actions are not aimed at legitimate businesses. Those with valid licenses and operating within legal frameworks will not face scrutiny. However, individuals and organizations found operating mining activities without proper authorization, or those aiding and facilitating unlawful mining, will be subject to thorough investigation and prosecution, should sufficient evidence be available. He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, village heads, youth leaders, landowners, and residents to verify the identities, licenses, and approvals of individuals seeking to engage in mining activities within their jurisdictions. Any suspicious excavations, movements of heavy-duty mining equipment, suspicious transportation of mineral resources, or the sudden emergence of mining camps in previously unaffected areas should be promptly reported to the Police or the relevant regulatory agencies.",
  "summary": "The Akwa Ibom Government has set up a task force to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the state. The Commissioner for Environment in the state, Mr Nsikak Ekong, said many illegal mining sites had been shut down. Speaking in Uyo, Ekong revealed that some illegal miners operate at night and leave without notice, […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}