Troops Raid Illegal Mining Site in Plateau, Recover Equipment
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) have raided an illegal mining site at Laminga village in Jos East Local Government Area of Plateau State and recovered mining equipment during a sustained crackdown on illegal mining activities in the state.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was conducted at about 1:10 p.m. on May 11 following intelligence reports on the activities of suspected miscreants operating within the illegal mining site.
The sources disclosed that troops of Sector 1 OPEP swiftly mobilised to the area and launched an anti-illegal mining operation at the site.
According to the sources, the suspected illegal miners fled on sighting the advancing troops, abandoning some equipment used for their operations.
Items recovered during the operation included 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 (JOA).
The authorities added that troops would sustain aggressive patrols and anti-illegal mining operations across vulnerable communities to curb criminal activities associated with illegal mining and maintain security in Plateau State.
