Taraba: Nigerian Army Arrests Illegal Miners, Seizes Precious Stones

The 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has arrested a group of illegal miners and confiscated suspected precious stones in a major crackdown on illegal mining operations in Taraba State, northwest Nigeria.

The Acting Assistant Director of the 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Captain Olubodunde Oni, stated that the troops, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a truck with a foreign registration number, B 0515 VV, on December 17.

The truck was found to be concealing illegally mined products, including suspected precious stones hidden in sack bags covered with dry grasses.

The driver of the truck, Abubakar Suleiman, and eight other occupants were taken into custody and handed over to the Taraba State Special Taskforce Committee on Environmental Protection, Public Safety, and Prohibition of Deforestation for further investigation and prosecution.

Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander, 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, commended the troops for their vigilance and gave assurances that the Brigade will continue to support civil authorities in enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring the safety of lives and property.

The commander also urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to security agencies for prompt action.

“Together, we can foster a safer and more sustainable environment in Taraba State and beyond,” he said.

This operation is part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to safeguard national resources and ensure compliance with environmental laws.

The 6 Brigade has been at the forefront of these efforts, with several successful operations against illegal mining and other environmental crimes in recent months.