Troops Arrest Four Illegal Miners, Recover Mining Equipment in Nasarawa Raid

Troops Arrest Four Illegal Miners, Recover Mining Equipment in Nasarawa Raid

By Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation MESA have arrested four suspected illegal miners and recovered mining equipment during a raid on an illegal mining site in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was carried out at about 3:00 p.m. on July 13 by troops of the 177 Guards Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tattara, following credible intelligence.

The sources said the troops raided the illegal mining site located at Saniyan Gitata, where four suspects engaged in unlawful mining activities were apprehended.

Items recovered during the operation include one industrial generator, three motorcycles, six shovels, three digging tools, 17 rubber basins, seven jerrycans, two mobile phones, and one electric cable believed to have been used for the illegal mining operation.

The suspects and all recovered items are in military custody pending further investigation and necessary legal action.

The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces under Operation MESA to curb illegal mining and other criminal activities that threaten security and economic interests in Nasarawa State.

Troops Arrest Four Illegal Miners, Recover Mining Equipment in Nasarawa Raid