Taraba State in Nigeria creates new task force against illegal mining
In Nigeria’s Taraba State, authorities dissolved all existing committees and task forces combating illegal mining and formed a new group. As Premium Times Nigeria reports, it is intended to strengthen oversight of unauthorized mining and protect the state’s forests, environment and other natural resources.
Composition and powers of the task force
State Government Secretary Gebon Kataps said the new task force will be headed by Army Major A.M. Ghali, with Captain K.R. Odenusi serving as his deputy. Its members also include Ishaku Daniel, Iziogo Philip, Olakunle D., Kabiru Musa, Zibai Ayuba and Suleiman Daniel.
According to Kataps, the group will receive operational support from relevant security agencies and cooperate with a mobile court established under the state’s existing executive orders. It is to submit periodic activity reports through the office of the State Government Secretary and begin work immediately.
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Previous operations
Illegal mining remains a problem in various parts of Taraba despite previous measures by the authorities. In July, an anti-illegal mining task force raided a gold mining site in Mayo-Kami, in Gantu, located in Bali Local Government Area. According to the publication, two suspects in illegal mining were detained and equipment was seized.
In August, the state government said it had detained 50 suspected illegal miners in Gantu and dispersed more than 500 other people. According to the government, equipment was also confiscated during the operation, and 24 suspects were returned to Zamfara State.
Uncontrolled mining can lead to losses of potential budget revenue, the destruction of vegetation and agricultural land, and deterioration of water sources. In parts of Taraba, mining activity has also raised concerns due to deforestation and other forms of environmental degradation.
