Troops of the Joint Task Force, South South, and Operation Ukpabi have recorded separate security breakthroughs in Akwa Ibom and Ebonyi states, intercepting four trucks loaded with suspected illegal mining products and arresting a suspected cultist with a firearm, drugs, and cash.
Security sources said troops of the Joint Task Force, South South, intercepted four trucks conveying mining products suspected to be glass sand in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State during a snap check operation.
The operation reportedly took place at about 5:00 p.m. on March 14 at Ama Friday Junction, where troops from Section 4 of 2 Brigade OPDS stopped the vehicles for inspection.
According to the sources, the drivers were unable to provide the necessary documents to establish the origin and legality of the mining products being transported.
The trucks and their drivers were subsequently moved to the headquarters of 2 Brigade for further investigation as authorities seek to verify ownership of the products and determine whether the transportation complied with relevant mining regulations.
The sources said the interception forms part of ongoing military efforts to clamp down on illegal mining and enforce compliance with laws guiding mineral exploitation across the South-South region.
Authorities also warned that any vehicle found transporting mining products without proper documentation would be intercepted and subjected to detailed checks to prevent the illegal exploitation of natural resources.
In a separate operation in Ebonyi State, troops of Operation Ukpabi apprehended a suspected cultist and recovered a locally made firearm, hard drugs, and cash in Akaeze community, Ivo Local Government Area.
Security sources disclosed that the incident occurred at about 7:30 a.m. on March 15 after troops acted on intelligence reports of suspected cult members attacking an individual in the area.
The sources said the suspects fled on sighting the troops, but one of them was arrested during a pursuit by the operatives.
Items recovered from the suspect included a locally made pistol loaded with a live cartridge, two mobile phones, hard drugs, and the sum of N2,050.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation and possible prosecution.
Military authorities said intensified patrols and surveillance have continued across communities in Ebonyi State as part of ongoing efforts to curb cult-related violence and improve security for residents.
