Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended eight individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities and dismantled an unauthorised mining site in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.
The operation, which took place at about 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday, followed credible intelligence reports about illicit mining along the Chaza–Izom axis in Bamburu village, within the Suleja area.
Security sources disclosed that personnel of the 31 Artillery Brigade carried out a patrol to the location, leading to the arrest of the suspects at the site.
Items recovered during the raid include a motorcycle, a 25-litre jerrycan of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), a 25-litre jerrycan of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), four water pump machines, and a gas cylinder.
The sources added that the illegal mining site was destroyed to halt further exploitation, while the suspects and the recovered items remain in military custody pending further action.
- Army busts illegal mining operation in Abuja - March 19, 2026
- Troops arrest suspected spy, recover weapons in Cross River - March 19, 2026
- Troops arrest two suspected terrorists, recover arms in Plateau - March 19, 2026
