The Taraba State Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force has raided an illegal mining site in Gangtu, Bali Local Government Area, forcing miners to flee and dismantling their operations.
Commander of the task force, Jamu Emmanuel Lyon, said the operation was aimed at shutting down illegal mining activities, not negotiating with offenders.
“We are here to shut them down,” Lyon said, warning that continued illegal mining damages the environment and deprives the state of resources.
Security operatives destroyed makeshift structures at the site during the raid, which followed intelligence reports that mining had resumed despite previous government warnings and earlier enforcement actions.
The operation is part of wider efforts to enforce the state’s ban on mining activities, introduced over security concerns.
Following the raid, a joint security team comprising the police, army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and local hunters was deployed to maintain a 24-hour presence at the site and prevent a return of illegal miners.
Authorities say enforcement will continue across affected areas, urging residents to provide credible information to support the crackdown.
Recent operations in the state have similarly led to arrests and the recovery of mining equipment, highlighting ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining.
