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The Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Tuesday said a 34-year-old suspected illegal miner, James John, popularly known as “Kpoi”, has been arrested and about 430 bags of suspected titanium ore, also known as black sand, have been recovered in Ibeno local government area of the state.
The recovered ore, weighing about 50kg per bag, was reportedly valued at $4,433, equivalent to about N5.87 million.
The arrest followed a raid conducted by operatives of the command on Monday at suspected illegal mining sites located in the coastal villages of Okorutip, Atia and Ndito Ekaiba in Ibeno.
The operation, which began around 11am, was part of the command’s ongoing crackdown on illegal mining activities across the state.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, said the suspect, who hails from Itak Ifaha village, has allegedly been identified as one of the prime suspects running illegal mining activities in the area.
He said other people found at the mining sites fled after spotting police officers and were tracked down as investigations continued.
He said the recovered bags contained a mineral substance identified as titanium ore, commonly called black sand.
The PPRO added that the recovered materials have been secured and will be subjected to appropriate examination and verification as part of the investigation.
The command said the operation aimed to curb the illegal extraction, processing, storage and movement of mineral resources, particularly in coastal communities where illegal mining could cause environmental degradation.
It said the investigation would extend beyond those operating at mining sites and to people allegedly financing, coordinating or facilitating illegal activities.
