Troops arrest two illegal miners in FCT raid, recover mining equipment
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected illegal miners during a raid on an unauthorized mining site in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted at about 5:50 p.m. on July 7 by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the nation’s mineral resources.
The sources said the troops stormed the illegal mining site and apprehended two suspects found carrying out unauthorized mining activities.
Items recovered from the site included one shovel, two digging tools, seven filter carpets and a pumping machine hose, all believed to have been used for the illicit mining operation.
The suspects are in custody, while the recovered equipment has been secured as exhibits pending further investigation and prosecution.
Military authorities said surveillance and monitoring of activities around the area have been intensified to prevent the resurgence of illegal mining and other related criminal activities.
