Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 6 Brigade, stationed at Garba Chede Checkpoint in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, have intercepted a group of illegal miners and confiscated valuable precious stones being illicitly transported out of the area.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops, on December 17, intercepted a truck with foreign registration number B 0515 VV.
The vehicle was found concealing illegally mined products hidden in sack bags and covered with dry grasses to evade detection.
The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Olubodunde Oni, disclosed this in a statement, emphasizing the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding national resources and ensuring adherence to environmental laws.
The driver of the truck, Abubakar Suleiman, and eight other occupants were immediately detained 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 of the 6 Brigade, commended the troops’ vigilance and reaffirmed the brigade’s dedication to collaborating with civil authorities to enforce environmental regulations and ensure the safety of citizens.
“Together, we can foster a safer and more sustainable environment in Taraba State and beyond,” Brigadier General Uwa stated, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities to security agencies.
Illegal mining remains a persistent challenge in parts of Nigeria, with experts linking the activity to increasing banditry in northern regions.
The Nigerian Army continues to intensify efforts to curb such illegal practices and protect the nation’s natural resources.