Troops of the 176 Guards Battalion have arrested a suspected illegal mining kingpin alongside three accomplices during a coordinated raid on illegal mining sites in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The operation, which took place in Dukpa Community, Gwagwalada Area Council, was carried out at about 8:30 p.m. on July 13 following actionable intelligence. The raid was reportedly triggered by earlier arrests of illegal miners in the area on July 7.
According to security sources, the troops stormed identified mining locations and apprehended the alleged sponsor believed to be the mastermind behind the illicit operations, along with three other suspects.
During preliminary interrogation, the prime suspect allegedly confessed to financing the illegal mining activities and revealed that he recruited labourers from Katsina State to execute the operations within the FCT.
Related News:
Police Kill Two Bandits Terrorising Abuja Communities
Three Arraigned Over Alleged N190m Property Scam in Abuja
Abuja Troops Arrest Suspected Car Thief, Recover Stolen Vehicle
Items recovered from the scene include a motorcycle, two digging tools, seven filter carpets, seven pumping machine nozzles, 53 wraps of suspected cannabis, ₦360,400 in cash, and other mining equipment.
Military authorities confirmed that the suspects and recovered items are currently in custody pending further investigation. They are expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
The raid forms part of ongoing anti-illegal mining efforts under Operation MESA, aimed at dismantling criminal mining networks, safeguarding national resources, and addressing the broader security threats associated with illegal mining activities in the nation’s capital.
About The Author
