Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
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), as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and safeguard Nigeria’s mineral resources.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was carried out at about 5:50 p.m. on July 7 by troops of the 176 Guards Battalion following credible intelligence on illegal mining activities in the area.
During the operation, the troops stormed the site and apprehended two suspects who were allegedly engaged in unauthorized mining.
Items recovered from the scene 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 currently in military custody, while the recovered equipment has been secured as exhibits pending further investigation and prosecution by the appropriate authorities.
Military sources said surveillance and monitoring have been intensified around the area to prevent the resurgence of illegal mining and other related criminal activities, reaffirming the Armed Forces’ commitment to protecting critical national resources and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.
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