Taskforce raids illegal mining site, arrests two in Taraba

The Taraba Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce has apprehended two individuals suspected of engaging in illegal gold mining. The arrests occurred during a raid on a mining site in Mayo Kam, Gantu village, Bali Local Government Area, on Monday.

Taskforce Chairman Emmanuel Jamu stated that the operation was the result of weeks of diligent intelligence gathering. Security operatives navigated challenging terrain to reach the remote site. While many suspected illegal miners managed to flee into the surrounding forests before the taskforce arrived, two were apprehended as they attempted to escape.

During the raid, the taskforce seized various items believed to be used for illegal mining. These included pumping machines, digging equipment, generators, and mineral-processing materials. Jamu emphasized the taskforce's commitment to combating illegal mining, declaring, "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."

Jamu appealed to local traditional rulers and community leaders for their cooperation in providing credible information to help apprehend other suspects still at large. The two arrested individuals are currently in custody, and the taskforce plans to extend its operations to other identified high-risk areas within the state. The Taraba government had previously suspended all mining activities on June 19 due to security concerns and subsequently established the Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce to enforce this directive.

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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.