The Taraba State Government says it has arrested 50 suspected illegal miners and dispersed more than 500 others during a crackdown on illegal mining activities in Gantu, Bali Local Government Area.
Chairman of the State Task Force on Anti-Illegal Mining, Emmanuel Jamu, said the operation targeted Gantu, which he described as one of Nigeria’s busiest illegal gold processing centres, attracting miners from Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Bauchi and other parts of the country.
According to Jamu, makeshift shelters used by the miners were destroyed in line with the state’s Order 6, which regulates mining activities to promote lawful operations and economic development.
He said security personnel, including the military, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, vigilantes and local hunters, have been deployed to secure the cleared sites and prevent illegal miners from returning.
Jamu disclosed that Governor Agbu Kefas had directed security agencies to arrest anyone involved in illegal mining across the state.
He added that 24 suspected illegal miners were recently returned to Zamfara State, while several mining machines and equipment intended for illegal operations were confiscated during enforcement activities.
The task force chairman maintained that sustained operations had significantly reduced illegal mining across Taraba, with authorities committed to enforcing compliance with mining regulations and protecting the state’s mineral resources.