Law enforcement team storms unauthorized mining operation, detains pair in Taraba

A raid conducted by the Taraba Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce on a gold mining site at Mayo Kam in Gantu village, Bali Local Government Area, resulted in the arrest of two suspected illegal miners on Monday, according to the taskforce's Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Jamu.

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The operation was the culmination of weeks of intelligence gathering, which ultimately led security operatives to traverse difficult terrain to reach the remote mining site, Jamu explained to newsmen in Jalingo.

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Most of the suspected illegal miners fled into nearby forests before the arrival of the operatives, but two suspects were apprehended while attempting to escape, Jamu said.

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The taskforce recovered several items allegedly used for illegal mining, including pumping machines, digging equipment, generators, and mineral-processing materials, according to Jamu.

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Jamu issued a stern warning, stating that the taskforce will continue to pursue those involved in illegal mining, saying "They can run today, but they cannot run forever, they will face the full weight of the law).

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The Chairman appealed to traditional rulers and community leaders to provide the taskforce with credible information that would lead to the arrest of other suspects still at large.

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The two suspects are currently in custody, and the taskforce will continue operations in other identified high-risk areas, Jamu said.

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The Taraba Government had suspended all mining activities across the state on June 19 over security concerns, and subsequently constituted the Anti-Illegal Mining Taskforce to enforce the directive, a move that preceded the recent arrest.