NSCDC arrests two suspected armed enforcers terrorising miners in Cross River

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Cross River State Command, has arrested two suspected members of an armed syndicate accused of terrorising licensed miners and illegally taking over mining operations in Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects, identified as 34-year-old Stephen Ibiang Francis and 24-year-old Gideon Emmanuel Okoi, were arrested during a tactical operation at a mining site in Agoi Ibami, Yakurr, on August 19, 2026.

The State Commandant, Okarazu Chima, disclosed the arrests on Wednesday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Calabar, where the suspects were paraded. The operation reportedly followed credible intelligence provided by members of the public.

According to the commandant, NSCDC operatives recovered two locally fabricated firearms and materials suspected to be charms from the suspects.

Okarazu said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects allegedly operated as armed enforcers for an illegal mining syndicate. He alleged that they used firearms and intimidation to drive licensed miners away from mining sites before taking control of the locations and illegally extracting solid minerals.

He described the arrests as a significant breakthrough in the command’s efforts to tackle illegal mining and the activities of criminal groups involved in the unauthorised exploitation of Cross River’s mineral resources.

The NSCDC commandant warned other illegal miners and armed groups operating in the state’s forests that the Corps would intensify its operations against activities threatening legitimate mining businesses and the state’s economic interests.

Okarazu also assured licensed miners and investors that the NSCDC would provide the necessary security cover to enable them to operate peacefully.

He said the two suspects remained in custody and had provided useful information to investigators, while efforts were ongoing to identify the manufacturers of the recovered firearms and apprehend other members of the alleged syndicate.

The suspects are expected to face prosecution after investigations for offences including illegal possession of firearms, armed intimidation and illegal mining, according to the command.

The commandant commended members of the public whose information contributed to the arrests and urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to security agencies.

The arrests come amid continuing security concerns surrounding illegal mining in Nigeria, particularly allegations that criminal groups use violence and firearms to displace legitimate operators and gain control of mineral-rich sites.