The Cross River State Government has warned residents to be on high alert following intelligence reports suggesting that suspected terrorists may be planning to infiltrate the state by disguising themselves as miners.
The warning was issued by the Chairman of the State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce Committee, Prince Paul Effiong, in an official statement titled “Protect Our Land, Protect Our Future.” Effiong said the government received credible intelligence indicating that criminal elements could try to exploit the state’s growing mining sector to gain access to rural communities.
According to him, the alert was prompted by recent security advisories from the United States government about increased terrorist activity and potential attacks across parts of Nigeria. The warning has raised fears that terrorist groups, under pressure from ongoing military operations in the North, may be shifting their activities towards the South-South and South-East regions — including Cross River State.
Prince Effiong explained that the suspected infiltrators may attempt to gain the trust of community leaders and residents by pretending to be legitimate mining operators. Once accepted into the community, they could use the opportunity to recruit, gather intelligence, or plan attacks.
“Our attention has been drawn to intelligence reports suggesting that some terrorist elements might seek to enter Cross River State under the guise of mining activities,” Effiong said.
“They could present themselves as investors or workers, win the confidence of local leaders, and later exploit that trust for criminal purposes.”
He warned that while genuine mining operations are welcome in the state, security agencies would thoroughly investigate all new mining activities to prevent criminal infiltration.
“We encourage genuine investors to come forward through proper channels,” Effiong said. “However, anyone caught using mining as a cover for illegal or suspicious activities will face the full weight of the law.”
Nigeria has been battling terrorism for more than a decade, with extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) causing devastation across the North-East. In recent years, security experts have warned of the spread of violent extremism and criminal networks to other parts of the country.
The Nigerian military has intensified operations in the North-East and North-West, leading to the displacement of many insurgents. Intelligence reports now suggest that some of these groups may be seeking new areas of operation, including regions that previously experienced relative peace.
Cross River State, located in Nigeria’s South-South region and sharing borders with Cameroon, has generally been regarded as one of the more peaceful states in the country. However, its vast forest reserves, remote communities, and mineral-rich areas could make it vulnerable to infiltration by criminal groups seeking cover.
Effiong said that while the threat has not yet materialised, the state government is determined to take preventive measures.
“We cannot wait for something to happen before taking action,” he said. “Prevention is better than cure. The goal is to keep Cross River safe before any threat emerges.”
Effiong assured residents that Governor Bassey Otu’s administration has strengthened collaboration among security agencies to safeguard the state’s borders and communities. He said the government had directed the police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local vigilante groups to monitor movement in mining areas and report any unusual activity.
“The government prioritises the safety and security of its citizens,” Effiong said. “We have put in place robust security measures, and there is no cause for panic.”
The chairman also noted that the state’s Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce had stepped up inspections of mining sites to ensure all operators possess valid licenses and identification.
“We are verifying every claim of ownership or operation in the mining sector. Anyone without the right documentation will be stopped immediately,” he added.
Effiong praised local community leaders for their cooperation and called for stronger collaboration between rural dwellers and security forces.
“Our communities are the first line of defence,” he said. “If residents remain vigilant and report strange activities quickly, we can stop any potential threat before it grows.”
Reiterating the state’s commitment to public safety, Effiong urged residents to be alert and participate in the government’s community watch initiative. He asked citizens to be cautious of strangers claiming to be miners or investors who cannot provide proper identification or government approval.
“If you see something, say something,” Effiong emphasised. “Together, we can protect our land and our future.”
He advised residents to report suspicious activities to the police, traditional rulers, local authorities, or the Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce.
The taskforce’s public awareness campaign, “Protect Our Land, Protect Our Future,” aims to educate rural communities about how to identify illegal mining operations and prevent security risks.
Illegal mining has long been a national concern in Nigeria, with many states struggling to curb unregulated extraction of gold, tin, limestone, and other minerals. Security experts have warned that the proceeds from illegal mining often fund armed groups and criminal networks, including terrorists.
In states like Zamfara and Niger, illegal mining has been linked to the rise of banditry and terrorism. The federal government has, at different times, suspended mining activities in such states to stop terrorists from using the sector to finance their operations.
Cross River State, known for its rich deposits of limestone, barite, and granite, has recently experienced an increase in small-scale mining. The state government has been encouraging investors to operate legally but remains cautious about the potential security implications.
Effiong said this was one reason the government established the Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce — to monitor activities, ensure compliance, and protect communities.
“We will not allow anyone to use our resources as a cover for criminal acts,” he said. “Our goal is to promote responsible mining that benefits the people, not one that endangers their lives.”
Dr. Emmanuel Inyang, a security analyst based in Calabar, told journalists that the government’s early warning was a “timely and responsible step.”
“Terror groups often relocate when they face heavy military pressure. It’s wise that Cross River is not waiting for an incident before acting. Public cooperation will make all the difference,” he said.
He also commended the government for linking the security alert to illegal mining, noting that several parts of Nigeria have seen criminals exploit mining as a disguise.
While the Cross River State Government has reassured residents that there is no immediate threat, it is urging everyone to remain alert and cautious. The emphasis, officials say, is on prevention and collective vigilance rather than panic.
“We have nothing to fear if we act together,” Effiong said. “The safety of Cross River people comes first, and we will do everything possible to protect our land, our people, and our future.”
