Taraba State Sets Up New Team to Tackle Illegal Mining

The Taraba State Government has shut down all previous committees and task forces made to fight illegal mining in the state.

The Secretary to the Government of the State, Gebon Kataps, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

Mr Kataps said a new team has been formed to strengthen the fight against unauthorized mining activities in the state.

He explained that this new task force will also work to protect Taraba’s forests, environment, and other natural resources. They will ensure that relevant environmental laws and rules are followed.

A.M. Ghali, an army major, will lead the task force, while K.R. Odenusi, an army captain, will assist him.

Other members include Ishaku Daniel, Iziogo Philip, Olakunle D., Kabiru Musa, Zibai Ayuba, and Suleiman Daniel.

The statement notes that the task force will get support from security agencies and will work with the mobile court set up under the state’s existing executive orders.

They are expected to send regular reports on their work to the Secretary to the Government.

This new arrangement comes as the state government steps up its efforts against illegal mining, which has been a long-standing issue in many parts of Taraba despite earlier enforcement actions.

Illegal mining has raised serious worries for the state because of its impact on the environment and the government's ability to manage and gain from its mineral resources.

In July, PREMIUM TIMES reported that illegal mining was costing Taraba billions of naira each year, even with executive orders and other measures put in place by the state government to tackle the issue.

The report also pointed out the ongoing illegal mining in parts of the state and the challenges authorities encounter in maintaining enforcement in far-off mining areas.

Gantu, located in the Bali Local Government Area, is one of the places where enforcement has recently been increased.

In July, the state Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force acted on gathered intelligence and raided a gold-mining site at Mayo Kam in Gantu. Two suspected illegal miners were arrested, and mining tools were seized.

The crackdown continued in August when the state government announced that 50 suspected illegal miners were arrested and over 500 others were dispersed in Gantu.

The government also reported that mining equipment was taken during the operation, and 24 suspected miners were sent back to Zamfara State.

These repeated actions show the challenges of controlling illegal mining in a state rich in mineral deposits and with many mining sites.

Besides losing potential government income, unregulated mining can destroy plants and farmland and pollute water sources.

Mining activities in parts of Taraba have also raised alarms about deforestation and other forms of environmental damage.

The state government has previously responded with executive orders and enforcement measures to regulate mining and protect the environment.

The formation of this new task force is yet another effort by Governor Agbu Kefas's administration to improve cooperation among security agencies and environmental enforcement bodies while enhancing monitoring of mining activities across the state.

Mr Kataps said the task force will start work right away.

The government also called on all relevant stakeholders to support the team and share information to help find illegal mining operations and other actions that threaten Taraba’s forests and natural resources.