Taraba State's anti-illegal mining task force conducted a multi-zone operation, arresting eight individuals and seizing over 50 mining machines, as part of efforts to curb illicit mineral extraction and protect natural resources. The operation, launched in the early hours of Sunday, targeted mining sites in Kusum, Badakoshi, and Mayo Kam areas of Bali Local Government Area (LGA), according to a statement from Auwal Mohammed, Special Adviser to the Taraba State Government on Mining. The joint task force, led by Army Major A.M. Ghali, dismantled illegal mining activities in remote locations, including Daban Kusum, Daban Faransa, and Daban Yarima. The operation resulted in the seizure of eight mining machines and the arrest of eight suspects for investigation, with additional equipment confiscated from five vehicles intercepted en route to Mayo Kam and Daka. These vehicles carried mining machinery, a large monazite separator, water-pumping generators, and other tools linked to illegal extraction. Despite recovering over 50 machines, only eight could be evacuated due to challenging terrain, prompting the deployment of vigilantes and hunters to secure the remaining equipment, the statement said. Major Ghali highlighted the logistical difficulties of the operation, noting that some mining sites were accessible only by motorcycle or on foot.
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,
he said. Ghali credited Governor Agbu Kefas and local residents for their support, which he said was critical to the task force's success in safeguarding the state's mineral resources. The arrested suspects and seized equipment remain in custody as investigations continue, with authorities vowing to intensify efforts against illegal mining across Taraba. The operation follows the establishment of a new task force by the Taraba government to address rampant illegal mining, which has long threatened the state's environment and economic stability. Officials have repeatedly warned that unregulated extraction depletes natural reserves and fuels environmental degradation. The recent raids underscore the administration's commitment to enforcing mining regulations and curbing activities that violate national laws. Local communities have expressed mixed reactions to the operation. While some praised the government's intervention, others raised concerns about the potential impact on livelihoods dependent on informal mining. However, authorities emphasized that the crackdown aims to balance resource protection with sustainable development, ensuring long-term benefits for the state. The incident highlights broader challenges facing Nigeria's mining sector, where illegal operations often evade regulation and contribute to ecological harm. Environmental advocates have called for stricter enforcement of mining laws and greater transparency in resource management. As Taraba's task force continues its operations, the outcome of this crackdown could set a precedent for similar efforts in other mineral-rich regions of the country. The National Assembly has also been urged to review existing mining legislation to close loopholes that enable illicit activities. Stakeholders argue that stronger legal frameworks and enhanced monitoring mechanisms are essential to addressing the root causes of illegal mining. For now, Taraba's task force remains focused on dismantling networks that threaten the state's natural wealth and public interest.
Taraba Task Force Disrupts Illegal Mining Network, Arrests Eight in Multi-Zone Operation