The Cross River State Government has issued a public security alert following intelligence reports indicating that suspected terrorists may be attempting to infiltrate the state under the guise of mining activities.
Chairman of the State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce Committee, Prince Paul Effiong, disclosed this in a statement titled “Protect Our Land, Protect Our Future,” urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or movements to relevant authorities.
Effiong explained that the warning follows recent intelligence assessments and security advisories from the United States Government, which pointed to an increased risk of terrorist movements toward the South-South and South-East regions, including Cross River State.
According to him, the suspects could seek to gain the trust of local communities by posing as legitimate miners, only to exploit such access for criminal or terror-related activities.
He, however, assured the public that the administration of Governor Bassey Otu has implemented proactive and coordinated security measures to protect lives and property across the state.
“The government prioritizes the safety and security of its citizens. We urge everyone to remain vigilant but not fearful,” Effiong stated.
He further cautioned residents against granting access to unknown persons claiming to be miners without proper identification or authorization, advising them to immediately notify security agencies, local councils, or the Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce of any unusual gatherings or operations.
Effiong emphasized the importance of community participation in intelligence sharing and early warning systems, reiterating that collective vigilance remains critical to maintaining peace and security.
“If you see something, say something. Together, we can protect our land and our future,” he added.
The state government restated its commitment to safeguarding all communities from infiltration and ensuring that genuine mining activities are properly regulated under existing laws.
