Anti-illegal mining taskforce intercepts buses carrying suspected illegal miners in Taraba

The Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force, at the weekend, intercepted four commercial buses conveying suspected illegal miners from Zamfara State to Gangtu village in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The operation, led by Superintendent of Police Jamu Emmanuel Lyon, followed credible intelligence indicating that a group of suspected illegal miners was travelling into Taraba State to engage in unauthorised mining activities.

“Acting on the intelligence, operatives of the task force intercepted the convoy while it was en route to the alleged illegal mining site. The suspects were apprehended without resistance,” the task force said.

According to preliminary investigations, the suspects are believed to have travelled from Zamfara State with the intention of carrying out illegal mining operations in Taraba, contrary to Nigeria’s mining laws and regulations.

Confirming the development, 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.

He reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to tackling illegal mining across the state, noting that efforts to dismantle illegal mining networks would continue.

He also appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in illegal mining activities.