Troops arrest five suspected illegal miners in Nasarawa, recover explosives
Troops Arrest Five Suspected Illegal Miners in Nasarawa State
KARU, Nigeria — Troops from the 177 Guards Battalion apprehended five individuals suspected of illegal mining on June 1 during an operation in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The operation also resulted in the recovery of explosives and various mining equipment.
The operation took place at approximately 12:00 p.m. and was part of a long-range patrol conducted by troops stationed at the Forward Operating Base Tattara and Patrol Base Zango under Operation MESA. According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, the troops targeted an illegal mining site in the Tattara community where the suspects were allegedly engaged in unauthorized activities.
During the operation, the military recovered seven explosive devices, a detonating cord, multiple detonators, a pumping machine, a generator, and three motorcycles. The explosives and equipment are believed to have been utilized in mining operations at the site.
“The suspects were arrested at the illegal mining location and are currently in military custody, along with the recovered items, pending further investigation,” Makama stated.
This operation is part of ongoing efforts to address illegal mining activities, which authorities claim pose security, environmental, and economic risks to local communities and the nation as a whole.
Investigations are under way, and the suspects are expected to be transferred to relevant authorities for further action following the completion of preliminary inquiries.
