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

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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

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Tension in Mangu as Fulani Herdsmen Allege Attack by Security Forces After Gunmen Wound Two, Rustle 70 Cattle

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Tension in Mangu as Fulani Herdsmen Allege Attack by Security Forces After Gunmen Wound Two, Rustle 70 Cattle

By: Zagazola Makama

Tension has been reported along the Alohom–Sabon Gari axis of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State following an attack in which two Fulani men reportedly sustained gunshot wounds, while more than 70 cattle belonging to a Fulani resident were allegedly rustled.

However, beyond the reported shooting and cattle rustling, what has raised further concern is an allegation by some Fulani residents who witnessed the incident that they were attacked by security personnel on armored vehicle and hilux.

According to an eyewitness, “When we first heard sporadic gunshots, we attempted to run away. We then noticed that they were our security personnel in black a Hilux vehicle. The vehicle quickly withdrew after firing two shots and later returned. We then saw an armoured vehicles. Some people told us to run, but I said no, believing they had come to protect us. Before we knew it, they opened fire on us, forcing us to scamper for safety.”

The allegation, which has yet to be independently verified, has added another layer of concern to an already sensitive security situation in the area, where residents continue alleged that they are being attacked by elements of the security personnel amidst the violence between farmers and herders clashes. While we saw them rustling all our cattle. The missing cattle were reportedly owned by Alhaji Yako, a Fulani resident of the area.

On two occasions, fulani leaders pointed accusing fingers at the personnel of Operation Rainbow who in collaboration with armed militia groups stormed fulani communities to dislodge them and rustle their livestock. In another leaked conversation, a councilor in Plateau was heard saying that “We now have our own security people who are helping us to clear the Fulani. So we dont even need soldiers, they should leave our land,”the councilor was heard saying in a leaked audio.

Tension in Mangu as Fulani Herdsmen Allege Attack by Security Forces After Gunmen Wound Two, Rustle 70 Cattle

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Army troops Arrests Arms Fabricator, Three Suspected Gunrunners, Recovers Weapons in Plateau

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Army troops Arrests Arms Fabricator, Three Suspected Gunrunners, Recovers Weapons in Plateau

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have arrested an alleged illegal arms fabricator and three suspected high-profile gunrunners during coordinated covert operations in Mangu and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas of Plateau State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation followed intelligence received by the Headquarters of OPEP on Oct. 4, indicating the activities of suspected illegal arms fabricators and gunrunners operating in the two local government areas.

Consequently, troops conducted coordinated covert operations between Oct. 7 and Oct. 11, targeting the suspected criminal networks and their operational locations.

During the operations, the troops arrested an alleged arms fabricator identified as Ayuba Sunday Abot, who was reportedly operating at Heipang in Barkin Ladi LGA.

Three other suspects identified as Tangkat Danjuma, Kopdi Appollos and Nyam Nzang were also arrested over their alleged involvement in illegal arms trafficking in Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs.

The operation led to the recovery of several weapons, ammunition and other items suspected to be connected with the alleged arms-trafficking activities.

Items recovered included one fabricated revolver rifle, one fabricated pistol, one fabricated AK-47 barrel and one AK-47 magazine.

The troops also recovered 42 rounds of 7.62mm × 54mm rimmed ball ammunition and some materials described in the operational report as metaphysical items.

Preliminary interrogation of the suspects reportedly indicated that they purchased ammunition at ₦3,000 per round from a security agents.

Security sources said the suspects and all recovered items had been taken to the Headquarters of Operation Enduring Peace for further investigation.

The arrests form part of ongoing security efforts to dismantle illegal arms networks and disrupt the supply of weapons and ammunition to criminal elements operating in Plateau State.

Army troops Arrests Arms Fabricator, Three Suspected Gunrunners, Recovers Weapons in Plateau

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Four cows shot by Berom Militia in targeted attack Dorowa Babuje, Plateau

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Four cows shot by Berom Militia in targeted attack Dorowa Babuje, Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama
Four cows belonging to Alhaji Isa were reportedly shot dead by Berom militia at Dorowan Babuje in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, raising fresh concerns over the safety of livestock and property in the area.

The incident is expected to be investigated by security agencies to establish what happened and identify those responsible.

Residents and relevant stakeholders have been urged to support efforts to establish the facts surrounding the incident and provide useful information to the authorities.

Four cows shot by Berom Militia in targeted attack Dorowa Babuje, Plateau

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