Troops raid illegal mining site in Plateau, recover equipment

Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have raided an illegal mining site in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State, recovering mining equipment after suspected illegal miners fled on sighting the advancing soldiers.

The operation was conducted at about 1:10 p.m. on Monday at Laminga village, following intelligence reports on the activities of suspected miscreants at the site.

Troops of Sector 1 OPEP swiftly mobilised to the area upon receiving the intelligence and launched the anti-illegal mining operation.

The suspected miners abandoned their equipment as troops advanced, with soldiers recovering two rolling buckets used for illegal mining activities.

Military authorities said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle illegal mining camps and deny criminal elements freedom of action within the Joint Operations Area.

They added that troops would sustain aggressive patrols and anti-illegal mining operations across vulnerable communities to curb criminal activities linked to illegal mining and maintain security across Plateau State.