Akwa Ibom Police Arrest Illegal Miner with Titanium Ore

On September 29, 2026, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command announced the arrest of a 34-year-old suspected illegal miner named James John, also known as "Kpoi." He was apprehended in Ibeno local government area, where police recovered about 430 bags of suspected titanium ore, commonly referred to as black sand. Each bag weighed approximately 50kg, and the total value of the recovered mineral was reported to be around $4,433, equivalent to approximately N5.87m.

The arrest followed a police raid conducted on September 28, 2026, at illegal mining sites in the coastal villages of Okorutip, Atia, and Ndito Ekaiba. The operation, which began at 11 am, was part of an ongoing effort by the police to curb illegal mining activities that could lead to environmental degradation.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, stated that John was identified as a principal suspect in these activities, while others present at the sites fled and are currently being pursued as investigations continue.