The Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force on Monday raided a suspected illegal gold mining site located in Mayo Kam and Gantu villages in Bali State Local Government Council, arresting two suspects and recovering mining equipment.
The operation, led by task force chairman Emmanuel Jamu, followed weeks of intelligence gathering.
“Security officers navigated difficult terrain to reach the remote mining camp, only to discover that most of the miners had fled into nearby forests prior to their arrival, leaving behind equipment and tools,” a statement from the task force said.
Despite the escape of the suspects, the task force arrested two people who were reportedly trying to flee the scene. Officers also recovered several items believed to have been used for illegal mining, including pumping machines, excavators, generators and mineral processing materials.
According to Jamu l, the task force would maintain its fight against illegal mining across the state.
“We are here to send a clear message. Whether you are here or not, we will keep coming. You can run today, but you can’t run forever. You will face the full force of the law,” he said.
He also called on traditional rulers and community leaders to support the task force by providing credible information leading to the arrest of the suspects who are still at large.
The Taraba State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguard the mineral resources of the state and ensure that illegal mining activities do not continue within its territory.
The two arrested suspects are currently in custody, while the task force said further operations are planned in other identified high-risk areas across the state.
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