Taraba task force breaks up illegal mining operations, arrests eight

A combined task force set up to fight illegal mining in Taraba State has arrested eight people suspected of illegal mining. They also took several mining machines during their operation in Bali Local Government Area.

The operation happened early on Sunday. It focused on mining sites in Kusum, Badakoshi, and Mayo Kam areas. Auwal Mohammed, Special Adviser to the Taraba State Government on Mining, shared this information in a statement.

The task force, led by Army Major A.M. Ghali, raided places in Daban Kusum, Daban Faransa, and Daban Yarima. They found and removed miners who were working illegally.

Mr. Mohammed reported that they seized eight mining machines and arrested eight suspects for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The task force also stopped five vehicles that were transporting mining equipment to Mayo Kam and Daka. These vehicles were carrying mining machines, a large monazite separator, water-pumping generators, and other tools thought to be used for mining.

The statement said they confiscated over 50 mining machines during the operation. But only eight of these machines could be taken from the sites because the area was hard to access.

Vigilantes and hunters were sent to guard the remaining equipment until it could be moved, according to the statement.

Mr. Ghali mentioned that the operation faced challenges. Some mining locations were in remote areas that could only be reached by motorcycle or on foot.

"The difficult terrain in the affected areas made the operation tough. Personnel sometimes had to use motorcycles and walk long distances to reach the mining sites," he said.

He noted that the task force will keep working against illegal mining across the state. Mr. Ghali also thanked Governor Agbu Kefas and the residents for their support. This help has been important in the task force's efforts to stop illegal mining and protect the state's mineral resources.

The arrested suspects and the seized equipment are still in custody as investigations continue, according to the task force.