South African Security Forces Arrest 137 in Major Illegal Mining Crackdown in Gauteng

By Zagazola Makama

South African security agencies have arrested 137 suspects during a coordinated operation targeting illegal mining activities in Gauteng Province, authorities said.

The operation was carried out by the South African Police Service (SAPS) in conjunction with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), Sibanye Protection Services, and Fidelity Specialised Services as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates operating across the province.

According to security officials, the suspects include undocumented foreign nationals from Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Lesotho who were allegedly engaged in unlawful mining activiti.p

Two additional suspects were also arrested for unlawful possession of ammunition and for allegedly aiding and abetting illegal immigrants.

During the operation, security personnel recovered a cache of items believed to have been used in the illegal mining operations, including mining tools, food supplies, and alcoholic beverages.

Authorities also seized a 9mm pistol, two magazines, and 118 rounds of AK-47 ammunition.

The operation forms part of sustained security measures by South African law enforcement agencies to curb illegal mining, which has increasingly been linked to organised criminal networks, illegal firearms, immigration offences, and violent crimes in parts of Gauteng.

The arrested suspects are expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of investigations, while security agencies said efforts to dismantle illegal mining syndicates across the province would continue.

South African Security Forces Arrest 137 in Major Illegal Mining Crackdown in Gauteng

Troops foil attack on commuters, kill eight terrorists in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 17 Brigade, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, in collaboration with hybrid forces, have foiled a planned terrorist attack on commuters along the Kakumi–Guga Road in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State, neutralising eight suspected terrorists.

Security sources disclosed that the operation followed credible intelligence indicating that armed terrorists loyal to a notorious kingpin, identified as Idi Abasu Aiki, were planning to attack motorists and other road users along the route.

According to the sources, the terrorists were sighted advancing towards the target area on five motorcycles, prompting troops and the hybrid forces to swiftly mobilise and establish a carefully coordinated ambush along their likely route.

The troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, during which eight of the assailants were neutralised.

Following the operation, the troops conducted exploitation of the area and recovered two AK-47 rifles and five motorcycles used by the terrorists.

The sources said troops have continued to dominate the general area through aggressive patrols and surveillance operations to forestall any retaliatory attacks against nearby communities and commuters.

The successful operation is part of ongoing efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deny terrorists freedom of movement and improve security across Katsina State and the wider North-West region.

Troops foil attack on commuters, kill eight terrorists in Katsina

Troops Arrest Suspected Boko Haram Logistics Supplier with Motorcycle Tyres in Yobe

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 233 Tank Battalion, in collaboration with members of the Yobe State Hunters Group, have arrested a suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics supplier in Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect, identified as Zarami Ali, 27, a native of Ngirya Village in Tarmuwa Local Government Area, was arrested at about 1:30 p.m. on July 7 during an intelligence-led operation.

According to the sources, the suspect was found in possession of five motorcycle tyres, which preliminary investigation indicated were intended for delivery to Boko Haram fighters operating in Ngirya Village.

The recovered tyres and the suspect have been taken into the custody of the 233 Tank Battalion for further investigation and necessary action.

Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation HADIN KAI to dismantle terrorist logistics networks by intercepting supplies destined for insurgent enclaves across the North-East.

They added that sustained intelligence-driven operations targeting logistics suppliers and collaborators have continued to disrupt the movement of materials essential to the operations of Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.

Troops Arrest Suspected Boko Haram Logistics Supplier with Motorcycle Tyres in Yobe