Governor Agbu Kefas of [Taraba State](https://www.tarabastate.gov.ng/) claimed on Saturday that certain members of the government and security agencies are assisting illegal mining activities in the region. He made the statement during a gathering with artisanal and small‑scale miners in Jalingo, promising to break the network that sustains the illicit operations.
Kefas said his administration will tighten regulation of the mining sector and ensure that the state's mineral wealth is not exploited outside the law. He emphasized that the issue extends beyond unlicensed miners, alleging that insiders within government and security structures have become part of the illegal mining network.
"We have more illegal mining inside than outside," the governor asserted, adding that his team is determined to map out the structure behind the unlawful activities and disrupt it through improved coordination among security agencies, mining regulators, and mining communities.
The governor outlined plans to create a system that allows legitimate miners to operate legally while giving authorities a clearer view of those who exploit the state's resources unlawfully. Registered miners would be confined to designated zones, and mineral off‑takers would be encouraged to purchase from regulated points to enhance traceability and oversight.
According to Kefas, this arrangement would also supply security agencies with better intelligence on mining activities, helping them differentiate between lawful artisanal miners and criminal operators. He instructed the miners’ association to provide a detailed list of equipment needed by its members, including cost estimates, so the government can explore financing options for acquiring and deploying the tools at approved sites.
The governor also called for the compilation of accurate data on miners, their communities, villages, locations, and operations, stressing that reliable information is essential for effective regulation and the protection of legitimate miners.
Kefas noted that the state is working to replace hazardous mining and processing methods with safer technologies, particularly the use of mercury in gold processing. He argued that the economic value of Taraba's mineral resources does not justify practices that expose miners and host communities to dangerous substances.
"Government will work with mining stakeholders across the state to establish practical environmental and health standards for our people," he said, indicating that the proposed reforms will require cooperation among the state government, the [Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development](https://www.minesandsteel.gov.ng/), security agencies, financial institutions, miners’ associations, and host communities.
He directed all parties to begin work on the modalities for the new framework immediately, insisting that the reforms must safeguard legitimate livelihoods while ensuring that Taraba’s mineral resources are properly regulated and contribute to the state's development.
During the meeting, Emmanuel George, state chairman of the [Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Artisanal_and_small-scale_mining), asked Kefas to reconsider restrictions on monazite mining, arguing that the policy has driven many miners into illegal activities. George claimed that over 500,000 young men and women are engaged in artisanal mining across the state and that the monazite ban has forced more than 300,000 association members into illicit operations. He maintained that allowing regulated mining would enable the government to monitor production, generate revenue, and create jobs.
George added that miners are not opposed to regulation but seek proper organization, recognition, training, and empowerment to operate within the law. He also appealed for operational vehicles and motorcycles to help officials reach mining communities throughout the state and pledged the association’s cooperation with government and regulatory agencies to educate miners, enforce safety standards, and ensure compliance with mining laws.
Elizabeth Elijah, state chairperson of Women in Mining, called for the inclusion of women in the proposed mining reforms and government interventions.