The Nigerian Army said troops have arrested 27 suspected illegal miners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neutralised three terrorists during a series of coordinated operations across the country. A military source spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.
The operations were carried out over the past 24 hours and involved multiple Army formations under different operational mandates, including Operation MESA and others focused on denying criminal elements freedom of action.
According to the military source, troops of the 7 Guards Battalion under Operation MESA raided an illegal mining site at Iddah in Bwari Area Council of the FCT. The troops arrested 27 suspects and destroyed camps used for the unlawful mining activities.
Recovered items included a dane gun, four motorcycles and assorted mining equipment. The troops also established roadblocks along the Bwari–Ushafa–Dutse axis to strengthen security and prevent further unlawful activities.
The source said the three terrorists were neutralised during offensive and responsive operations as troops-maintained pressure on extremist and criminal elements. These actions formed part of sustained operations in different theatres of the country.
In the North-East, troops of the Joint Task Force under Operation Hadin Kai continued offensive patrols and routine actions across sectors to consolidate gains and prevent major security breaches.
Across other theatres, operations under Operation FANSAN YAMMA and Operation Enduring Peace sustained offensive and routine activities, including responding to a reported kidnapping incident at Rantya in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State, where a wounded gateman was evacuated to a hospital.
In Kaduna State, troops quelled unrest at Mabushi village, arresting four suspects and restoring normalcy to the community.
In the South-South region, troops under Operation Delta Safe arrested a suspected armed robber in Delta State, recovering a locally fabricated pistol and live ammunition.
In Rivers State, forces apprehended two suspected illegal oil bunkers at Bonny Island, recovering drums of allegedly illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil.
The military source reaffirmed that the Nigerian Army will remain relentless in denying terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements freedom of action across the country.
The Army continues to emphasise proactive operations and community cooperation to improve national security.
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 27 suspected illegal miners in the FCT and neutralised three terrorists nationwide in sustained security operations.
The actions form part of broader efforts to combat criminality and enhance safety for citizens across Nigeria.
