JALINGO — The Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce has intensified its crackdown on unauthorised mining activities, repatriating scores of alleged illegal miners to their states of origin as part of efforts to prevent insecurity and protect the state’s environment.
Chairman of the taskforce, SP Jamu Emmanuel, disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Jalingo, saying the latest operation was aimed at preventing illegal mining activities from becoming a source of security threats across the state.
According to him, persons apprehended during recent operations were repatriated to Sokoto, Bauchi, Niger, Gombe and Zamfara states.
Jamu said the taskforce would not allow illegal miners from within or outside Taraba to undermine the peace and stability of the state.
“This decisive action was taken to avert any potential security breaches and safeguard the peace and stability of Taraba State,” he said.
The taskforce chairman linked unauthorised mining to a range of challenges, including insecurity, environmental degradation and economic losses, warning that allowing such activities to continue could reverse recent security gains in the state.
He said the government would not fold its arms while people from outside the state allegedly enter communities to engage in activities capable of threatening public order.
Over 50 Arrested, Hundreds Dispersed
Jamu disclosed that the taskforce had, in recent operations, arrested more than 50 suspects in connection with illegal mining activities.
He added that operatives also dispersed over 500 alleged illegal miners in the Gantu area of Bali Local Government Area.
According to him, 24 individuals were specifically repatriated to Zamfara, Niger, Yobe and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) during the operations.
The latest enforcement drive highlights the growing concern over mining activities in parts of Taraba, particularly where unauthorised operations are alleged to be taking place outside the established regulatory framework.
Taskforce Vows Sustained Crackdown
The chairman said the taskforce would sustain its operations against illegal mining across the state, stressing that the authorities would not negotiate with persons found engaging in unauthorised mining.
He warned that individuals or groups caught violating mining regulations would be dealt with according to the law.
The taskforce maintained that its operations are aimed not only at stopping illegal extraction of mineral resources but also at protecting communities from activities that could contribute to insecurity and environmental degradation.
Jamu urged residents to cooperate with security and regulatory authorities by providing information on illegal mining activities in their communities.
He reiterated the taskforce’s determination to rid Taraba of unauthorised mining and ensure that the state’s mineral resources are exploited within the framework of the law.
