Cross River State Government has raised alarm over intelligence reports suggesting that suspected terrorists may attempt to infiltrate the state by posing as miners.
Chairman of the State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce Committee, Prince Paul Effiong, issued the warning in a statement titled “Protect Our Land, Protect Our Future,” urging residents to remain alert and report any suspicious movements.
He said the alert followed recent warnings by the United States government about heightened security threats in Nigeria, which may have prompted the relocation of some terrorist elements towards the South-South and South-East regions, including Cross River State.
Effiong explained that the suspected infiltrators might seek to win the trust of community leaders and residents under the guise of genuine mining operations, only to exploit their hospitality for criminal purposes.
He assured, however, that the state government under Governor Bassey Otu has put robust security measures in place to protect lives and property, stressing that there is no cause for panic.
“The government prioritizes the safety and security of its citizens. We urge everyone to remain vigilant but not fearful,” he stated.
The taskforce chairman advised residents to be wary of strangers claiming to be miners without valid identification, and to promptly report any unusual gatherings or activities to security agencies, local authorities, or the Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce.
He called for collective responsibility in safeguarding the state.
“If you see something, say something. Together, we can protect our land and our future,” Effiong said.
