Troops of 176 Guards Battalion, deployed under Operation MESA in Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have arrested three suspected illegal miners during a routine security operation.
Sources said the suspects were intercepted at about 6:30 p.m. on June 17 in Abaji following intelligence on illegal mining activities in the area.
Items recovered from the suspects include one pumping machine, four shovels, one hose pipe, two water pipes, and one dual iron pipe used for suspected mining operations.
The suspects were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and necessary action.
Authorities said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and related environmental crimes within the FCT and its environs.
By: Zagazola Makama
