KEFAS DISSOLVES EXISTING ANTI-ILLEGAL MINING COMMITTEES, CONSTITUTES NEW TASK FORCE
…Major A.M. Ghali named Commander as government intensifies crackdown on illegal mining, environmental degradation
By Taraba News | Jalingo | September 5, 2026
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has approved the immediate constitution of a new task force to tackle illegal mining and environmental degradation across the state.
The development was announced in a press release dated September 5, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, Esq.
According to the statement, the new task force is mandated to ensure strict compliance with government directives against illegal mining activities and the destruction of forests across Taraba State.
The eight-member task force will be headed by Major A.M. Ghali as Commander, while Captain K.R. Odenusi will serve as second-in-command.
Other members are ASP Ishaku Daniel, Iziogo Philip, Olakunde D, Kabiru Musa, Zibai Ayuba and Suleiman Daniel.
The government said the task force would operate with supporting and operational personnel drawn from key security agencies.
In a major restructuring of the state’s enforcement mechanism, Governor Kefas also approved the immediate dissolution of all existing committees or task forces performing similar functions, effectively giving the newly constituted team responsibility for the assignment.
The new task force is expected to work with the Mobile Court established under existing executive orders and submit periodic reports through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the State.
The development comes amid intensified government action against illegal mining. On September 4, Taraba News reported that an alleged illegal gold and diamond mining site at Garin Jatau near Iware in Ardo Kola LGA had been shut down, with three suspects reportedly remanded.
Governor Kefas had earlier suspended mining activities across Taraba over security concerns, while subsequent enforcement operations led to arrests and the dispersal of hundreds of suspected illegal miners.
