Taraba Task Force Raids Illegal Mining Site in Bali, Destroys Camps

By Apex Media Network 

The Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities with a fresh raid on Gangtu village in Bali Local Government Area, dismantling camps allegedly used by illegal miners.

The operation, carried out in the early hours of Thursday, was led by the Chairman of the Task Force, SP Jamu Emmanuel Lyon, alongside a joint security team comprising personnel of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and local hunters.

During the operation, suspected illegal miners fled the area on sighting the security team, while makeshift tents and other temporary structures believed to have been used for illegal mining operations were demolished.

Authorities said security operatives have now been stationed permanently in the area to prevent the miners from returning and to enforce the state government's ban on illegal mining activities.

According to the task force, the latest operation followed credible intelligence gathered through sustained surveillance, which revealed that illegal mining had resumed in Gangtu despite previous government closure directives and two earlier enforcement exercises conducted at the site.

Speaking during the operation, the Chairman of the Task Force, SP Jamu Emmanuel Lyon, reaffirmed the state's resolve to eliminate illegal mining, describing the activity as a major threat to the environment, agriculture, and public resources.

He said illegal mining continues to contaminate water sources, destroy farmlands, and deprive the state of valuable mineral resources, stressing that the government will not relent until those responsible are stopped.

The task force also disclosed that security personnel deployed to the area will maintain 24-hour surveillance and regular patrols to prevent any attempt by illegal miners to resume operations.

Residents were urged to support the government's efforts by providing timely and credible information on suspicious mining activities in their communities, noting that public cooperation remains essential to the success of the ongoing campaign against illegal mining across Taraba State.

TARABA ANTI-ILLEGAL MINING TASK FORCE INTERCEPTS 4 BUSES OF SUSPECTED ILLEGAL MINERS EN ROUTE TO BALI, HANDS SUSPECTS TO POLICE

By Apex Media Network

The Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force has intercepted four commercial buses conveying suspected illegal miners from Zamfara State to an alleged illegal mining site in Gangtu Village, Bali Local Government Area.

The operation, carried out by operatives of the task force under the leadership of Superintendent of Police (SP) Jamu Emmanuel Lyon, followed credible intelligence on the movement of the suspects into Taraba State.

Acting on the information, the operatives intercepted the convoy before it reached its destination. The suspects were arrested without resistance, while the vehicles conveying them were taken into custody.

Preliminary findings by the task force indicate that the suspects travelled from Zamfara State with the intention of engaging in unauthorized mining activities in Gangtu Village, an act that contravenes Nigeria's mining laws and regulatory framework.

Confirming the operation, SP Jamu Emmanuel Lyon said the suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to the Taraba State Police Command for further investigation and possible prosecution in accordance with the law.

He said the operation forms part of the task force's sustained efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the state's mineral resources from exploitation by unauthorized persons.

SP Lyon reaffirmed the commitment of the task force to dismantling illegal mining networks operating within the state and warned that individuals involved in unlawful mining activities would face the full weight of the law.

He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending those involved in illegal mining activities.

The latest interception underscores the intensified enforcement measures by the Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force to safeguard mining communities, protect the environment and ensure that mineral resources are exploited in line with established legal and regulatory procedures.