Illegal miners abandon Taraba site ahead of fresh task force raid
Illegal Miners Flee Ahead of Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force Raid in Taraba State
Gangtu village, Taraba State — Illegal miners in Gangtu village abandoned their site prior to a scheduled raid by the Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force, according to the task force’s chairman, Jamu Emmanuel Lyon.
Lyon noted that this repeated flight from mining locations illustrates the increasing pressure unauthorized operators face due to ongoing surveillance and enforcement efforts across Taraba State.
The task force returned to Gangtu over the weekend after receiving intelligence indicating a resurgence of illegal mining activities in the area, which had previously been warned against. Upon arrival, officials found that the miners had evacuated, leaving behind equipment and fleeing into nearby bushes. It is believed their escape was prompted by advance notice of the planned operation.
While no arrests were made during the operation, Lyon characterized the situation as a positive sign that illegal miners are becoming more aware of the intensified security measures targeting their activities.
“This is the second time in two weeks that we have visited this location, and each time, we find that the illegal miners have fled,” he said. “Although we did not make any arrests today, we are undeterred. This ongoing challenge will not dissuade our resolve to eliminate illegal mining in Taraba State.”
Lyon further explained that the task force is enhancing intelligence-gathering efforts in Gangtu and other identified mining hotspots throughout the state. Plans are underway to deploy additional personnel and increase patrols in an effort to prevent the return of illegal miners.
The task force also intends to collaborate with local vigilantes and community leaders to establish a more robust early warning system aimed at detecting and halting illegal mining activities before they escalate.
In the meantime, officials are documenting the abandoned equipment and makeshift structures discovered at the site, with intentions to dismantle them to prevent reuse by illegal miners. Lyon warned that individuals attempting to retrieve or operate the abandoned equipment would face arrest and prosecution.
He urged residents of Gangtu and surrounding communities to continue providing credible information regarding illegal mining activities, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in protecting the state’s natural resources.
“We cannot win this battle alone. The people of Taraba are the true custodians of our natural resources, and we need their active participation to safeguard these resources from being plundered,” Lyon said.
The Anti-Illegal Mining Task Force affirmed that operations would persist across Taraba State and cautioned illegal miners that evading security raids will not ultimately protect them from arrest and prosecution.
