ILLEGAL GOLD, DIAMOND MINING SITE SHUT DOWN IN TARABA, THREE SUSPECTS REMANDED
…Operators reportedly regrouped after earlier crackdown
By Taraba News | Jalingo | September 4, 2026
The Taraba State Mobile Court on Environmental Protection, Public Safety and Prohibition of Deforestation has intensified the state’s crackdown on illegal mining with the closure of a suspected gold and diamond mining site at Garin Jatau village, near Iware in Ardo Kola Local Government Area.
The operation followed intelligence received by authorities over alleged illegal mining activities in the community.
The mobile court, established by the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas to tackle environmental and related offences, reportedly moved into the area on Tuesday, September 1, and ordered the mining site sealed.
Information gathered from the community indicated that several people had been operating at the site, with some reportedly coming from outside Taraba State and others alleged to be foreign nationals.
A resident of the area, Musa Lawal, said some of those operating at Garin Jatau were believed to have relocated there after security authorities dislodged illegal miners from other locations in the state.
The operators were said to have regrouped at the new location and installed three engines to support their mining operations.
Their activities reportedly caused considerable damage to the surrounding environment, raising concerns among residents and prompting the intervention of the authorities.
Three persons suspected of being among the leaders of the mining operation were reportedly arrested during the exercise.
The suspects were subsequently brought before the mobile court, which ordered that they be remanded in custody.
The latest operation comes amid increased efforts by the Taraba State Government to curb unauthorised mining and other activities considered harmful to the environment.
Taraba is believed to possess significant deposits of solid minerals, including precious stones, making the regulation of mining activities increasingly important as the state seeks to attract legitimate investment into the sector.
