Army Arrests 98 Illegal Miners in Abuja Raid, Seizes Equipment

ustvafrica
1 Min Read

Troops of the 176 Guards Battalion operating under Operation MESA have apprehended 98 suspected illegal miners during a coordinated raid in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The operation, which took place around 5:55 p.m. on March 23, followed actionable intelligence on illicit mining activities in the area. Security forces moved swiftly to the location, where the suspects were arrested without resistance.

According to security analyst Zagazola Makama, a range of items linked to the illegal operation were recovered. These include a vehicle, eight motorcycles, five pumping machines, 27 shovels, seven sledgehammers, 22 diggers, three head pans, five mining mats, and a sack of charcoal.

The suspects have since been transferred to the Guards Brigade Provost Group for further investigation and possible prosecution, as authorities intensify efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the FCT.

Share This Article
Follow:
Iliyasu S. Yahaya Founder, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer Unity Star TV Africa (UStv Africa) Limited Alh. Iliyasu S. Yahaya is a Nigerian broadcast journalist, media entrepreneur, documentary producer and Pan-African advocate. He is the Founder, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Unity Star TV Africa (UStv Africa), a Pan-African digital television network dedicated to promoting African history, culture, education, governance, business, tourism and sustainable development. With many years of experience in journalism and media production, he has built UStv Africa into a respected platform that tells authentic African stories and gives a voice to Africans across the continent and the diaspora. He holds academic qualifications in journalism and media studies, including postgraduate training from the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ), Abuja, and has participated in professional media development programmes focused on digital journalism, broadcasting and public communication. As a journalist, Alh. Iliyasu has reported extensively on national politics, governance, security, the judiciary, education and socio-economic development. Under his leadership, UStv Africa has expanded its coverage to include documentaries, exclusive interviews, cultural heritage programmes, educational content and international affairs. He is committed to strengthening African identity through responsible journalism, preserving indigenous cultures, promoting peace and unity, and creating opportunities for African voices to be heard on the global stage. Beyond broadcasting, he continues to build strategic partnerships with national and international institutions to promote quality journalism, public enlightenment and sustainable development across Africa. "Our mission is simple: to tell Africa's story through African eyes, inspire positive change, and connect the continent with the world."
Leave a Comment