Taraba State Governor forms new task force to combat illegal mining

Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has dissolved all existing anti-illegal mining committees and approved the immediate formation of a new task force to combat illegal mining and environmental degradation.

The eight-member task force will be led by Major A. M. Ghali as Commander, with Captain K. R. Odenusi serving as second-in-command. The team includes ASP Ishaku Daniel, Iziogo Philip, Olakunde D., Kabiru Musa, Zibai Ayuba, and Suleiman Daniel. Supported by personnel from various security agencies, the group is mandated to enforce government directives against illegal mining and forest destruction.

The new unit is expected to collaborate with mobile courts established under existing executive orders and will submit periodic reports to the Office of the Secretary to the State Government. This move follows previous efforts by the state to seal illegal gold and diamond mining sites in areas such as Ardo-Kola and Bali Local Government Areas.