FCT troops arrest 15 suspected illegal miners in Kuje Area Council
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 176 Guards Battalion have arrested 15 suspected illegal miners during a counter-illegal mining operation in Chibiri community, Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Security sources said the operation, conducted at about 10:30 a.m. on April 4, was aimed at disrupting illegal mining activities and curbing the influx of insurgents and undocumented migrants into the area.
The suspects were reportedly apprehended while engaging in mining activities in the bush area and were found in possession of fake national identification cards.
According to the sources, the suspects claimed to have come from Zamfara State.
Items recovered from them include three head pans, 13 mining mats, three shovels, and one digger.
Military authorities said the suspects are currently undergoing profiling before being handed over to relevant government agencies for further investigation and action.
