Taraba Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce raids gold site, arrests two suspects

The Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce on Monday raided a suspected illegal gold mining site located in Mayo Kam and Gantu villages in Bali Local Government Council of the state, arresting two suspects and recovering mining equipment.

The operation, led by the chairman of the taskforce, Emmanuel Jamu, followed weeks of intelligence gathering.

“Security operatives navigated difficult terrain to reach the remote mining camp, only to discover that most of the miners had fled into nearby forests before their arrival, leaving behind equipment and tools,” a statement by the taskforce said.

Despite the suspects’ escape, the taskforce arrested two individuals who were reportedly attempting to flee the scene. Officers also recovered several items believed to have been used for illegal mining, including pumping machines, diggers, generators, and mineral processing materials.

According to Jamu l the taskforce would sustain its crackdown on illegal mining across the state.

“We are here to send a clear message. Whether they are here or not, we will keep coming. They can run today, but they cannot run forever. They will face the full weight of the law,” he said.

He also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to support the taskforce by providing credible information that would lead to the arrest of suspects still at large.

The Taraba State government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the state’s mineral resources and ensuring that no illegal mining activities continue within its territory.

The two arrested suspects are currently in custody, while the taskforce said further operations are planned in other identified high-risk areas across the state.