The Joint Task Force on Anti-Mining Operations in Taraba State has intensified its crackdown on illegal mining activities in Kusum, Badakoshi and Mayo Kam areas of Bali Local Government Area.

The operation, conducted in the early hours of Sunday under the command of Major A.M. Ghali, targeted illegal mining sites in Daban Kusum, Daban Faransa and Daban Yarima.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the Taraba State Government on Mining, Auwal Mohammed, the task force dislodged illegal miners from the areas and seized eight mining machines.

Eight suspects were also arrested and taken into custody for investigation and possible prosecution.

In a related operation, the task force intercepted five vehicles allegedly transporting mining equipment towards Mayo Kam and Daka.

The vehicles were reportedly carrying mining machines, a large monazite separator, water-pumping generators and other equipment used for mining activities.

The task force said more than 50 mining machines were confiscated during the operation, although only eight could be evacuated from the bush due to the difficult terrain.

Vigilantes and hunters were subsequently deployed to secure the remaining equipment pending their evacuation.

Commander Ghali said the difficult terrain made the operation challenging, with personnel sometimes relying on motorcycles and trekking long distances to access remote mining sites.

He said the support of Governor Agbu Kefas and residents had continued to motivate the task force in its efforts to curb illegal mining and protect Taraba’s mineral resources.

Ghali assured that the operation would continue, stressing that the task force remained committed to dismantling illegal mining activities across the affected areas.