Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested eight suspected illegal miners and dismantled an unauthorised mining site in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday following credible intelligence on illegal mining activities around the Chaza–Izom axis in Bamburu village, Suleja area.

According to the sources, troops of the 31 Artillery Brigade conducted a patrol to the location, leading to the arrest of the suspects at the site.

Items recovered during the operation include one motorcycle, one 25-litre jerrycan of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), one 25-litre jerrycan of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), four water pump machines and one gas cylinder.

“The illegal mining site was subsequently destroyed to prevent further exploitation, while the suspects and recovered items are in troops’ custody for further necessary action,” the source said.

(Zagazola)