Crime
South African Security Forces Arrest 137 in Major Illegal Mining Crackdown in Gauteng
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
Crime
Troops Foil Armed Robbery Attack, Rescue Two Locals in Plateau
Troops Foil Armed Robbery Attack, Rescue Two Locals in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have foiled an attempted armed robbery attack along the Apel-Jipun road in Pushit District of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Zagazola gathered that the incident occurred on August 23, 2026, when troops responded to reports of gunshots allegedly fired by suspected armed robbers along the highway.
The troops swiftly mobilised to the area, forcing the gunmen to abandon their operation and flee into the surrounding area.
During the subsequent search of the location, the troops rescued two locals, identified as Samuel Dauda and Luka Daar, who were reportedly returning from Maraban on a motorcycle when they encountered the armed men.
Three empty cartridge cases of 7.62mm Special ammunition were recovered at the scene.
Following the incident, the troops intensified patrols along the highway and other strategic locations in the area to deter criminal elements and prevent further attacks on motorists and residents.
Security personnel have continued efforts to maintain security along the route and ensure the safety of commuters using the highway.
Troops Foil Armed Robbery Attack, Rescue Two Locals in Plateau
Crime
Troops Arrest Motorcycle Thief, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Plateau
Troops Arrest Motorcycle Thief, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 8, Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), have arrested a suspected motorcycle thief and recovered a stolen motorcycle during a stop-and-search operation in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Zagazola Media Network gathered that the suspect, identified as Hosiah Alfred, was arrested at the Sabon Gari checkpoint in Mangu at about 5:50 a.m. on August 24, 2026.
The troops, operating under Operation HARD KNOCK, intercepted Alfred while he was travelling in a commercial vehicle reportedly en route to Duklin in Bauchi State from Abuja.
According to security sources, the troops became suspicious of the motorcycle in his possession and subjected him to questioning.
During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to stealing the motorcycle from a dispatch rider identified as Yusuf Gideon, who works for one Mr. Nonso in Abuja.
The suspect and the recovered motorcycle are currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation.
Security authorities are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft, trace the rightful owner of the motorcycle and determine whether the suspect is linked to other criminal activities.
The development highlights the continued security checks being conducted along major routes in Plateau State to detect and prevent the movement of suspected criminals and stolen property.
Troops Arrest Motorcycle Thief, Recover Stolen Motorcycle in Plateau
Crime
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE have arrested three suspected illicit drug peddlers during a raid on a suspected drug hideout in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The operation was conducted at about 11:00 p.m. on August 23, 2026, when troops of Sector 1, Operation ENDURING PEACE, raided a suspected drug peddling hideout known as “Downstairs/Upstairs” at Mista Ali.
During the operation, the troops arrested three suspects and recovered quantities of substances suspected to be illicit drugs.
The suspects and recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the Keystone Outpost, Mista Ali, for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt illicit drug activities and other criminal networks capable of undermining security in vulnerable communities across Plateau State.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Drug Peddlers in Plateau
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