A joint taskforce on illegal mining and environmental protection at the weekend arrested seven individuals for allegedly engaging in unlawful tree felling in Suntai Forest in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The operation, led by Superintendent of Police Jamu Emmanuel, resulted in the suspects being apprehended while reportedly cutting down and destroying trees within the forest reserve.
According to authorities illegal tree felling has contributed significantly to environmental degradation in the area and the local government council at large.
In a statement released by the taskforce, officials warned that such actions pose serious risks to surrounding communities, including increased chances of erosion and flooding due to the loss of forest cover.
The suspects are expected to be transferred to a mobile court for prosecution. They will face charges related to violations of environmental protection laws, illegal logging, and the destruction of protected vegetation.
The taskforce reiterated its commitment to safeguarding natural resources and issued a stern warning that anyone found engaging in illegal mining or deforestation will be arrested and prosecuted without delay.