Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Suspected Illegal Mining Kingpin, Recover Titanium Ore
Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a suspected ringleader and recovered a large quantity of titanium ore during a raid on illegal mining sites in three coastal communities in Ibeno Local Government Area.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this to journalists at the Command headquarters. She said the operation took place on 28 September 2026 at about 11:00 a.m., following the Command's declaration of war on illegal mining on 27 September 2026.
The sites raided were located at Okorutip, Atia and Ndito Ekaiba villages. The suspect, identified as James John, alias "Kpoi," a 34-year-old male from Itak Ifaha Village, was apprehended. Other individuals at the mining locations fled upon sighting the police and are being pursued as investigations continue.
DSP John listed the items recovered to include several bags containing a mineral substance identified as titanium ore, commonly known as black sand. She stated that the materials have been secured and will undergo examination and verification as part of the ongoing probe.
The Command expressed concern over the unlawful extraction, processing, storage and movement of mineral resources, particularly in coastal communities, warning that such activities could cause significant environmental damage and undermine regulatory processes. She warned perpetrators to desist or face the full weight of the law.
According to DSP John, the arrest and recovery are part of a broader strategy to identify those financing, coordinating and facilitating illegal mining, rather than just targeting individuals at mining sites.
She added that the Commissioner of Police, Babs Azare, has reiterated that there will be no safe haven for illegal mining syndicates in the state. He warned that individuals, groups, sponsors, financiers, collaborators and others involved in the unlawful exploitation of the state's mineral resources should immediately stop or face the full weight of the law.
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