Army arrests 27 illegal miners in FCT, kills terrorists in nationwide security operations

The Nigerian Army says its troops have arrested 27 suspected illegal miners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and neutralised three terrorists during coordinated security operations carried out across several parts of the country within the last 24 hours.

A senior military source disclosed the development on Tuesday in Abuja, saying the operations were part of sustained efforts to disrupt criminal networks and deny terrorists freedom of movement nationwide.

In the FCT, troops of the 7 Guards Battalion under Operation MESA carried out a raid on an illegal mining site at Iddah, Bwari Area Council, where 27 suspects were apprehended. The soldiers also dismantled and destroyed camps used by the illegal miners.

Items recovered during the operation included a dane gun, four motorcycles, and assorted mining equipment, while additional security measures were enforced through roadblocks along the Bwari–Ushafa–Dutse axis, the source said.

Beyond the capital, the Army recorded further gains against terrorist groups. According to the source, three terrorists were killed during offensive and responsive operations as troops intensified pressure on criminal elements across multiple theatres.

In the North-East, forces under the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, sustained offensive actions under Operation Desert Sanity V, covering Sectors 1 to 4. Troops conducted aggressive patrols and routine security activities, with no major breaches recorded during the period.

Similarly, under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, soldiers across Sectors 1 to 3 continued offensive and stabilisation operations, consolidating earlier gains and restricting the movement of armed groups.

In Plateau State, troops under Operation Enduring Peace responded to a reported kidnapping incident in Rantya, Jos South Local Government Area, evacuating a wounded gateman to hospital for treatment.

Security forces were also deployed to restore calm in Mabushi village, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following youth unrest. Four suspects were arrested, and normalcy was restored, the source added.

In the South-South, troops under Operation Delta Safe arrested a suspected armed robber in Delta State, recovering a locally fabricated pistol and live ammunition. In Rivers State, two suspected illegal oil bunkers were apprehended at Bonny Island, with drums of suspected illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil seized.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its resolve to sustain operations against terrorists and criminal gangs, stressing that it remains committed to protecting lives and property across the country.