Police nab suspected illegal miner with N5.8m titanium ore in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom state Police command Tuesday said  a 34-year-old suspected illegal miner, James John, popularly known as “Kpoi,” was arrested and about 430 bags of suspected titanium ore, also known as black sand, were  recovered in Ibeno local government area of the state.

The recovered mineral, weighing about 50kg per bag, was reportedly valued at $4,433, equivalent to approximately N5.87m.

The arrest followed a raid conducted by operatives of the command on Monday at suspected illegal mining sites located in Okorutip, Atia and Ndito Ekaiba coastal villages in Ibeno.

The operation, which commenced at about 11am, was part of the command’s ongoing crackdown on illegal mining activities across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, said the suspect, a native of Itak Ifaha village, was allegedly identified as one of the principal suspects operating the illegal mining activities in the area.

She said other persons found at the mining sites fled on sighting the police operatives and were being traced as investigation continued.

She said the recovered bags contained a mineral substance identified as titanium ore, commonly referred to as black sand.

The PPRO added that the recovered materials had been secured and would be subjected to appropriate examination and verification as part of the investigation.

The command said the operation was aimed at curbing the unlawful extraction, processing, storage and movement of mineral resources, particularly in coastal communities where illegal mining could cause environmental degradation.

It stated that the investigation would extend beyond those operating at the mining sites to persons allegedly financing, coordinating or facilitating the illegal activities.