Army nabs 13 illegal miners in FCT, recovers equipment

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 13 suspected illegal miners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), dismantled mining equipment and recovered tools during a raid on an illegal mining site in Bwari Area Council.
The Army, in an operational update made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, said the operation was conducted under Operation Mesa.
According to the report, the operation targeted an illegal mining camp where troops recovered 27 shovels, 32 head pans, pumps, diggers and other equipment, while the site was destroyed.
The Army also disclosed that troops in Taraba State arrested a suspect in Wukari Local Government Area over alleged fraudulent recruitment activities.
The suspect was said to have collected N3.6 million from civilians under false pretences.
“A mobile phone and cash were recovered, while investigations are ongoing,” the report stated.
In Kogi State, troops arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator in Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area over alleged links to a terror network.
Two suspected logistics suppliers were also apprehended in Lokoja and Kabba axis for allegedly supporting armed groups.
Items recovered included mobile phones, identity cards, machetes and cash.
In Sokoto State, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma recovered 37 rustled cattle in Sabon Birni Local Government Area after suspected terrorists fled on sighting the troops. (NAN)
The cattle were later handed over to local authorities.
The Army said troops across various theatres of operation continued to sustain pressure on criminal networks, including armed robbers, kidnappers, illegal miners and terrorist collaborators.
It reaffirmed its commitment to restoring security and urged residents to continue supporting ongoing operations with credible intelligence. (NAN)

المصدر: Daily Trust (NG)