The Nigerian Army said troops of 6 Brigade, deployed at Garba Chede checkpoint in Bali LGA of Taraba State, have apprehended a group of illegal miners and seized suspected precious stones being transported out of the area.
Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, in a statement said the arrest became possible as 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 statement said the suspected precious stones were hidden in sack bags covered with dry grasses in a bid to evade detection.
According to the statement, 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,” the statement said.
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.
“Together, we can foster a safer and more sustainable environment in Taraba State and beyond,” he said.
Troops arrest illegal miners, recover mined products in Taraba
