Twenty suspected illegal miners have been arrested in Taraba State by the Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force as authorities intensify efforts to curb unlawful mining activities across the state.
The operation was carried out on Saturday by the task force under the leadership of Superintendent of Police Jamu Emmanuel.
The suspects were apprehended after security operatives acted on credible intelligence while they were reportedly on their way to an illegal mining site.
According to the task force, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are from Zamfara State and allegedly traveled to Taraba to engage in unauthorized mining operations.
The arrests form part of the state government’s ongoing campaign to tackle illegal mining and protect the state’s mineral resources.
Authorities said investigations are continuing and assured that anyone found violating mining regulations would face the full weight of the law.
Confirming the development, Jamu Emmanuel 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 added that items recovered from the suspects are being documented as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Task Force Commander reaffirmed the commitment of security operatives to eliminating illegal mining activities in the state, warning that anyone found engaging in such unlawful acts would face the full weight of the law.
He also appealed to members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies to support ongoing efforts to protect the state’s natural resources and maintain law and order
