Despite the Taraba State Government’s repeated suspension of mining activities and the embargo that remains in force, reports indicate that illegal mining operations are intensifying in parts of the state, particularly in Bali Local Government Area, raising fresh concerns over security and environmental safety.
Investigations by DAILY POST revealed a significant influx of suspected illegal miners into Mayo Kam village in Kusum Ward of the local government area. The miners are reportedly arriving from several Nigerian states, including Zamfara, as well as from foreign countries such as Libya and Egypt, where they are allegedly engaging in unauthorized mining activities.
The rush is said to be driven by deposits of minerals locally known as Wul and Kuza. Community sources told DAILY POST that the growing number of miners has heightened fears over insecurity, environmental degradation, and the ability of authorities to enforce the state’s mining embargo. Although some residents claim the influx is massive, the exact number of miners could not be independently verified.
Security sources further alleged that many of the miners have adopted alternative routes to evade law enforcement, reportedly gaining access to Mayo Kam through River Tella in neighbouring Gassol Local Government Area by boat.
The development, according to sources who requested anonymity for security reasons, points to a coordinated effort to bypass security checkpoints and government restrictions.
Residents who spoke with DAILY POST warned that if the situation is not addressed urgently, Bali Local Government Area could face security challenges similar to those experienced in Zamfara State, where illegal mining has been associated with banditry, armed violence, and organized criminal activities.
One of the stakeholders, Ubale Sadiku, commended the efforts of the Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force but stressed that the operatives require greater government support to effectively tackle the growing challenge.
“The Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force has been working tirelessly around the clock to end illegal mining across the state, particularly here in Bali. However, I believe the state government needs to provide the task force with the necessary support and additional manpower to achieve its mandate,” he said.
Sadiku alleged that many of the illegal miners were entering Taraba from the North-West region of the country, as well as from some African countries, warning that the continued influx could worsen the state’s security situation if left unchecked.
“We are all aware of the security situation in the North-West, especially in Zamfara State, where illegal mining has been blamed for fuelling insecurity.
“The state government must be more proactive because the problem is growing rapidly, and the task force alone cannot handle it. They deserve commendation, but they also need reinforcement if they are to overpower these illegal miners,” he added.
Another resident, Vinki Edmond, accused some traditional rulers and village heads of failing to support government efforts against illegal mining.
He urged the state government to hold community leaders accountable wherever illegal mining activities continue to flourish.
“Some of our village heads and traditional rulers are not helping matters. They are aware of the influx of miners into their communities, but instead of reporting them to the authorities, they allegedly accommodate them and even allocate land for their operations,” Edmond claimed.
The renewed concerns come as the Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force continues its crackdown on illegal mining activities across the state.
In one of its recent operations, the task force, led by Superintendent of Police Jamu Emmanuel Lyon, arrested 14 suspected illegal miners while they were reportedly on their way to an illegal mining site within Taraba State.
According to the task force, the operation followed credible intelligence, while preliminary investigations indicated that the suspects came from Bauchi, Gombe, and Zamfara states to engage in unauthorized mining activities.
Lyon confirmed that the suspects remain in custody and would be transferred to the Taraba State Police Command for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Reaffirming the task force’s determination to eliminate illegal mining in the state, the commander warned that anyone found violating the law would face prosecution.
“We are here to send a clear message. They can run today, but they cannot run forever. They will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
The task force also appealed to residents to continue providing credible information that would assist security agencies in protecting the state’s natural resources and maintaining law and order.
The unfolding developments have renewed calls for swift intervention by the Taraba State Government and relevant security agencies to curb the worsening illegal mining activities and avert a potential security crisis in Bali Local Government Area.
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