The Nigerian Army in Taraba State has arrested at least nine individuals, suspected to be foreign nationals, for illegal mining of what are believed to be precious stones.
The suspected illegal miners were apprehended by the troops of Nigerian Army while hauling the mined products in a truck with a foreign vehicle number plate.
The spokesperson for the 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, Captain Oni Olubodunde, told SaharaReporters on Thursday that the suspected foreigners were intercepted on December 17, 2024 at a military checkpoint in Garba-Chede, in the Bali Local Government Area of the state.
Olubodunde disclosed that the mined products were concealed in sacks and covered with animal hay inside the foreign registered truck; driven by one Abubaka Suleiman.
While assuring that the Nigerian Army was committed to safeguarding national resources and ensuring compliance with environmental laws, Olubodunde noted that the suspects and the seized items have been transferred to a relevant agency of the government for prosecution.
“Troops of 6 Brigade, deployed at Garba Chede checkpoint in Bali Local Government Area, have apprehended a group of illegal miners and seized suspected precious stones being transported out of the area.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the vigilant troops on 17 December intercepted a truck with a foreign registration number B 0515 VV, which was found to be concealing illegally mined products. The suspected precious stones were hidden in sack bags covered with dry grasses in a bid to evade detection.
“The driver of the truck, identified as Abubakar Suleiman, along with eight other occupants, were immediately taken into custody. Following standard procedures, they were handed over to the Taraba State Special Taskforce Committee on Environmental Protection, Public Safety, and Prohibition of Deforestation for further investigation and prosecution,” Olubodunde said.
The Commander of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, while commenting on the arrests assured that the Brigade remains resolute in supporting civil authorities to enforce environmental regulations.
He commended the people of Taraba State for their continued support and urged citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies for prompt action.
“Together, we can foster a safer and more sustainable environment in Taraba State and beyond,” Uwa said.