Troops of 6 Brigade Intercept Illegal Miners, Recover Precious Stones in Taraba
Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, deployed at Garba Chede checkpoint in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State, have intercepted a truck loaded with suspected illegally mined precious stones and apprehended nine individuals.
The Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, confirmed the operation in a statement issued on Wednesday, describing it as part of the Nigerian Army’s efforts to safeguard national resources and enforce environmental laws.
Uwa said the troops, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted the truck, with a foreign registration number B 0515 VV, on Dec. 17. The illegal minerals were reportedly concealed in sack bags covered with dry grasses to evade detection.
The suspects, including the truck driver, identified as Abubakar Suleiman, were arrested and handed over to the Taraba State Special Taskforce Committee on Environmental Protection, Public Safety, and Prohibition of Deforestation for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Uwa commended the troops for their vigilance and reaffirmed the commitment of the 6 Brigade to support civil authorities in enforcing environmental regulations and ensuring the safety of lives and property.
“We remain resolute in collaborating with relevant authorities to protect Nigeria’s natural resources and ensure compliance with laws safeguarding our environment,” he said.
The Commander urged residents of Taraba to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies for prompt action.
He commended the public for their continued support and emphasized the importance of collective efforts in fostering a safer and more sustainable environment in Taraba State and across the country.
