Troops Raid Illegal Mining Site in FCT, Arrest Nine Suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have arrested nine suspected illegal miners during a raid on an illegal mining site in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 8:12 p.m. on June 29 by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and related criminal activities in the FCT.
According to the sources, the troops raided the mining site and apprehended nine suspects found carrying out illegal mining activities.
Items recovered during the operation included three motorcycles, five head pans, 14 shovels, three diggers, two electricity generators, one chisel, one hammer, three empty jerrycans, one torchlight, three engine belts and the sum of ₦50.
The arrested suspects and the recovered items are in military custody pending further investigation and necessary legal action.
Security authorities said operations against illegal mining and other unlawful activities would continue across the Federal Capital Territory to protect public resources and enhance security.
