Troops arrest suspected illegal mining kingpin, three others in FCT
Troops Arrest Suspected Illegal Mining Kingpin in Federal Capital Territory Raid
Gwagwalada, FCT — Troops from the 176 Guards Battalion apprehended a suspected illegal mining kingpin along with three other individuals during a raid on illegal mining sites in the Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory on Wednesday night.
The operation, conducted around 8:30 p.m. on July 13 in the Dukpa Community, followed intelligence gathered after the arrest of a group of illegal miners in the region on July 7, according to a statement from security analyst Zagazola Makama.
During the raid, the troops targeted identified illegal mining sites, where they arrested the suspected leader of the operation, who is alleged to have funded the illegal activities. Preliminary investigations revealed that he had recruited laborers from Katsina State for mining operations in the FCT.
Items seized during the raid included a motorcycle, two digging tools, seven filter carpets, seven pumping machine nozzles, 53 wraps of suspected cannabis, ₦360,400 in cash, and various mining equipment.
Military sources confirmed that the suspects and the confiscated items are currently in military custody. They will undergo further investigation before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
This operation is part of ongoing anti-illegal mining efforts under Operation MESA, which aims to dismantle illegal mining networks, safeguard national resources, and address the security challenges that arise from illegal mining activities in the Federal Capital Territory.
