Troops Arrest Suspected Illegal Mining Kingpin, Three Others In FCT Raid
Illegal mining operations in the Federal Capital Territory have suffered another setback as troops intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks exploiting the nation’s mineral resources.
Troops of the 176 Guards Battalion have arrested a suspected illegal mining kingpin and three other suspects during a raid on illegal mining sites in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The operation, carried out at about 8:30 p.m. on 13 July, followed actionable intelligence obtained after the arrest of a group of illegal miners in Dukpa Community on 7 July.
Security sources said troops stormed identified illegal mining locations and apprehended the suspected sponsor, believed to be the mastermind of the operation, alongside three accomplices.
During preliminary interrogation, the principal suspect allegedly confessed to financing the illegal mining activities and disclosed that he recruited labourers from Katsina State to carry out the operations in the FCT.
Troops recovered one motorcycle, two digging tools, seven filter carpets, seven pumping machine nozzles, 53 wraps of suspected cannabis, ₦360,400 in cash and other mining equipment.
The suspects and recovered items are in military custody pending further investigation and handover to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.
Military sources said the operation forms part of ongoing anti-illegal mining efforts under Operation MESA aimed at dismantling illicit mining networks, safeguarding national resources and tackling security threats linked to illegal mining activities in the FCT.
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