Troops raid illegal mining site in FCT, recover equipment
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops under Operation MESA have carried out a raid on an illegal mining site at Ibwa community in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 1:10 p.m. on April 12 following credible intelligence on the resumption of illegal mining activities in the area.
According to the sources, troops of 176 Guards Battalion stormed the site, but the illegal miners fled on sighting the security operatives.
They added that pursuit of the suspects was hindered by the swampy terrain and excavated pits within the area.
Items recovered from the site include four head pans, eight shovels, four diggers, six pumping machines and 11 mining carpets.
The sources said human intelligence assets have been deployed to monitor activities in the general area and prevent a resurgence of illegal mining operations.
