Kefas Constitutes Task Force To Battle Illegal Mining In Taraba

Taraba State Governor Dr Agbu Kefas has constituted an 8-man task force to enforce the state’s ban on illegal mining and check the destruction of forests and other natural resources across the state.

The task force, approved with immediate effect, is expected to intensify enforcement against illegal mining activities, amid growing concerns over environmental and security implications.

This is contained in a statement issued to LEADERSHIP in Jalingo signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps.

According to the statement, Major A.M. Ghali will serve as commander of the task force, while Captain K.R. Odenusi will be second-in-command.

Other members are ASP Ishaku Daniel, Iziogo Philips, Kabiru Musa, Zabia Auyba, Sulieman Daniel and Olakunle Daniel respectively.

The government said the task force would be supported by operational personnel from relevant security agencies to strengthen its enforcement capacity and ensure effective implementation of government directives.

Governor Kefas as part of the restructuring also approved the immediate dissolution of all existing committees and task forces performing similar functions.

The newly constituted task force will consequently assume responsibility for enforcing the state’s directives on illegal mining, forest protection and environmental preservation.

“The task force is expected to work in collaboration with the mobile court established under existing executive orders and submit periodic reports through the Office of the Secretary to the State Government,” the statement said.

The development comes against the backdrop of renewed efforts by the state government to tackle illegal mining, which officials have linked to environmental degradation and security challenges in some parts of the state.

On September 4, an alleged illegal gold and diamond mining site at Garin Jatau, near Iware in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area, was shut down during an enforcement operation, while three suspects were reportedly remanded.

Governor Kefas had earlier suspended mining activities across the state following security concerns.

Subsequent enforcement operations led to the arrest of suspected illegal miners and the dispersal of hundreds of others operating in defiance of the government’s directives.

The latest measure is expected to strengthen the state’s enforcement machinery and deepen the government’s campaign against illegal mining and the degradation of Taraba’s forests and other natural resources.