Taraba State Enacts New Executive Orders to Clamp Down on Illegal Mining, Political Thuggery, and Substance Abuse

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has signed three new executive orders aimed at curbing political thuggery, illegal mining, and widespread substance abuse across the state.

The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Re-orientation, Zainab Jalingo, highlighting the state government’s commitment to preserving public order and safeguarding natural resources.

Addressing the rise in drug addiction, Governor Kefas emphasized the strong link between substance abuse, youth-driven criminality, and social instability. The newly signed order provides enhanced legal authority to law enforcement bodies to track, apprehend, and prosecute individuals involved in illicit drug activities, while simultaneously bolstering state-backed rehabilitation and public awareness programs.

Ahead of upcoming political campaigns, the administration also instituted a strict ban on political thuggery. The order explicitly criminalizes the recruitment, sponsorship, funding, or housing of thugs by political actors or organizations, aiming to prevent electoral violence, intimidation, and property damage.

Additionally, the state moved to clamp down on unauthorized resource extraction, pointing to the severe environmental damage, farmland destruction, and water contamination caused by illegal miners and loggers. The new measures establish stricter enforcement against illicit operations to protect host communities and support legitimate resource management.

State authorities have called on traditional leaders, civil society organizations, political stakeholders, and residents to support the enforcement of these measures to ensure long-term stability and security across Taraba.