The Joint Task Force on Anti-Mining Operations in Taraba State has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities in Kusum, Badakoshi and Mayo Kam areas of Bali Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, conducted in the early hours of Sunday under the command of Major A.M. Ghali, targeted illegal mining sites in Daban Kusum, Daban Faransa and Daban Yarima.
According to a statement by Auwal Mohammed, Special Adviser to the Taraba State Government on Mining, the task force dislodged illegal miners operating in the areas and seized eight mining machines.
The operation also led to the arrest of eight suspects, who were taken into custody for investigation and possible prosecution.
In a related operation, the task force intercepted five vehicles allegedly transporting mining equipment towards Mayo Kam and Daka.
The statement said the vehicles were carrying mining machines, a large monazite separator, water-pumping generators and other equipment used for mining activities.
More than 50 mining machines were reportedly confiscated during the operation.
However, due to logistical challenges posed by the difficult terrain, only eight of the seized machines could be evacuated from the bush.
Vigilantes and hunters were subsequently assigned to secure the remaining equipment pending their evacuation.
The task force said the seized machines and arrested suspects were currently in custody as investigations continued.
“The difficult terrain in the affected areas had made the operation challenging, with personnel sometimes relying on motorcycles and trekking long distances to access remote mining locations,” Commander Ghali said.
He said the support of Governor Agbu Kefas and residents had continued to motivate the task force in its efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the state’s mineral resources.
The commander said the operation would continue, stressing that the task force remained committed to dismantling illegal mining activities across the affected areas.
Joint task force intensifies crackdown on illegal mining in Taraba