Côte d’Ivoire authorities dismantle illegal gold mining site, arrest 16 in Toumodi

By Zagazola Makama

Ivorian authorities have dismantled an illegal gold mining site at Kahankro in Toumodi, following a targeted operation against illicit mining activities in the area.

The operation was conducted on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, under the “Filet Vert du Nord” (Northern Green Net) initiative by the BSSI, a specialised security unit under Côte d’Ivoire’s Ministry of Water and Forests.

According to the ministry, the operation was based on intelligence gathered on illegal mining activities at the site.

Authorities said the operation uncovered several violations of the country’s mining, forestry and water regulations, including mining without a valid licence, deforestation and pollution caused by the use of chemicals.

A total of 16 people were arrested during the operation. The suspects reportedly included nationals of Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea.

Security personnel seized several items from the site, including three water pumps, one generator, one motorcycle, four gas cylinders, nine mobile phones and 15,065 CFA francs in cash.

The authorities also destroyed equipment and structures used for the illegal mining activities.

Items destroyed included 21 stone crushers, 18 washing units, 15 concentration carpets, 13 shelters, 10 ventilators, eight shovels, eight water pumps and 27 basins.

The operation forms part of the Ivorian Government’s broader efforts to protect the country’s natural resources, forests and water bodies from the environmental damage associated with illegal gold mining.

Authorities said illegal mining poses significant risks to the environment through deforestation, soil degradation and pollution of water sources.

The BSSI called on local communities to continue cooperating with security and environmental authorities by providing credible information on illegal mining activities.

The agency said sustained cooperation from residents would be critical to strengthening efforts to curb illegal gold mining and protect Côte d’Ivoire’s natural resources.

Côte d’Ivoire authorities dismantle illegal gold mining site, arrest 16 in Toumodi

Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, foil abduction attempts in Zamfara

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 12 civilians during separate operations against terrorists in Kaura Namoda and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

The operations, conducted on Monday, Sept. 7, 2026, followed distress calls and intelligence indicating attempts by terrorists to abduct civilians in the two local government areas.

In the first incident, troops responded to a distress call after terrorists infiltrated a residence at Tsohon Tasha in Kaura Namoda LGA.

The troops swiftly mobilised to the area and engaged the terrorists in a gun battle, forcing them to abandon six abducted civilians and flee across a nearby river.

The rescued victims were subsequently evacuated to a safe location and later reunited with their families.

In a separate operation in Tsafe LGA, troops monitoring activities along the Main Supply Route observed terrorists attempting to intercept a Sharon vehicle at Kwanoni Village.

The troops immediately moved to the location and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to abort the abduction attempt and withdraw into the adjoining bush.

Six civilians were subsequently rescued during the operation.

The two incidents underscore the continued efforts by troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA to deny terrorist elements freedom of movement and prevent them from carrying out attacks and abductions against communities and road users across the Joint Operations Area.

The operations also demonstrate the importance of rapid response to distress calls and timely intelligence in disrupting terrorist activities and safeguarding civilians.

The Joint Task Force has continued to maintain pressure on terrorist elements through patrols, surveillance and other security operations across Zamfara and other parts of the North-West.

Operation FANSAN YAMMA has therefore urged members of the public to sustain their cooperation with security agencies by providing credible and timely information on suspicious movements and activities.

The Theatre said such collaboration remained critical to tracking terrorist elements, disrupting their operations and ultimately eliminating their presence within the Joint Operations Area.

Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, foil abduction attempts in Zamfara

Troops arrest suspected foreign national along Azir–Damboa road in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of 25 Brigade, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected foreign national along the Azir–Damboa road in Borno State.

Military sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:55 p.m. on Sept. 5 following a tip-off from local residents about the movement of a suspected foreigner along the route.

During preliminary questioning, the suspect reportedly identified himself as a national of the Republic of Cameroon.

He told the troops that he entered Nigeria through Taraba State and was travelling towards Niger State in search of artisanal work but lost his way.

The suspect remains in military custody for further investigation and necessary action, while authorities work to establish his identity, travel history and circumstances surrounding his presence in the area.

Troops arrest suspected foreign national along Azir–Damboa road in Borno