The Taraba Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce arrested two suspected illegal miners on Monday. This happened during a raid at a gold-mining site in Mayo Kam, Gantu village, Bali Local Government Area.
Emmanuel Jamu, the chairman of the task force, spoke to journalists in Jalingo. He said the operation came after weeks of collecting information.
Mr Jamu mentioned that security operatives faced tough conditions to reach the remote mining site for the raid.
He noted that many suspected illegal miners ran into nearby forests before the operatives arrived. But two suspects were caught while trying to escape.
The chairman said the task force seized several items used for illegal mining. These included pumping machines, digging tools, generators, and materials for processing minerals.
"We want to send a clear message. Whether they are there or not, we will keep trying. They can run today, but they cannot run forever. They will face the full weight of the law," he stated.
He asked traditional rulers and community leaders to help the task force with useful information to catch other suspects still at large.
Mr Jamu confirmed that the two suspects are now in custody. The task force will keep working in other areas known for high-risk mining activities.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reminds us that on June 19, the Taraba Government stopped all mining activities across the state due to security issues. They then set up the Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce to enforce this ban.
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