Operatives of the 177 Guards Battalion have arrested five suspected illegal miners during a targeted security operation in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, recovering explosives and critical mining equipment.
The operation, carried out on June 1, 2026, followed a long-range patrol by troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tattara and Patrol Base Zango under Operation MESA.
Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, noting that the raid was aimed at dismantling illegal mining activities in the Tattara community.
According to the report, the suspects were apprehended at an unauthorized mining site where they were allegedly engaged in illegal extraction activities.
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Items recovered from the scene include seven explosive devices, detonating cords, detonators, a pumping machine, a generator, and three motorcycles. Authorities believe the explosives were being used to facilitate mining operations at the site.
The suspects are currently in military custody alongside the recovered items, pending further investigation.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining, which has been linked to environmental degradation, economic sabotage, and rising insecurity in affected communities.
Military authorities confirmed that the suspects will be handed over to appropriate agencies for prosecution after preliminary investigations are concluded.
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