Nigerian Army and Taraba State Government Intercept Six Trucks Transporting Illegally Mined Fluoride and Lithium

A joint operation between the Nigerian Army and the Taraba State Government has successfully intercepted six trucks transporting illegally mined Fluoride and Lithium.....CONTINUE READING

The illicitly extracted solid minerals were sourced from the Akwana community in the Wukari Local Government Area of the state and were en route to Port Harcourt and Enugu when they were apprehended.

Reportedly, the truck drivers fled and abandoned their vehicles upon interception. The trucks have been turned over to a mobile court established to prosecute those involved in such activities.

Jeremiah Faransa, the Chairman of the Taraba Task Force Committee on Illegal Mining and Deforestation, addressed the press following the interception. He emphasized that the government remains committed to combating illegal mining and deforestation despite the existing ban.

Faransa also disclosed that the Task Force team had previously visited the Akwana community, where they arrested seven illegal miners, some of whom were found in possession of explosives.

He stated:

“Security is a collective responsibility, and this interception was the result of collaboration between the special taskforce team and the military strike force. Those engaged in this unlawful act will face severe consequences, and we will refer these trucks to the mobile court for prosecution. Akwana has gained notoriety for illegal mining, and despite our relentless efforts to enforce the ban directive, they have remained defiant. However, we will adapt our strategy to restore order.”