By Sani Wakili
In line with the Nigerian Army’s commitment to safeguarding national resources and ensuring compliance with environmental laws, troops of the 6 Brigade, deployed at Garba Chede checkpoint in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, have apprehended a group of illegal miners.
This is contained in a statement signed and issued to journalists by Captain Olubodunde Oni, the Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, on 18th of December, 2024.
The statement stated that “during the operation, the troops 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, was 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.
Speaking on the arrest, the Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa assured that the Brigade will remain resolute in supporting civil authorities to enforce environmental regulations and ensure the safety of lives and property.
He commended the good people of Taraba for their continued support and urged citizens to report any suspicious activities to security agencies for prompt action.
The statement concluded with “Together, we can foster a safer and more sustainable environment in Taraba State and beyond.”