Troops apprehend 28 illegal miners, raid 9 illegal refineries

Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended 28 illegal miners in Niger, dismantled nine illegal refineries in Rivers and recovered 58 military helmets in a series of security operations across the country.

An operational report made available to our reporter on Tuesday, said troops of 102 Guards Battalion raided an illegal mining site at Kuchiku community, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger.

The army said the troops also recovered five motorcycles, one crusher, 10 pumping machines, four wheelbarrows, 55 shovels and nine hammers in Kaduna, Abuja and Taraba.

It said the troops also raided another mining site behind the Federal Government Academy along Dikko-Maje Road, recovering a locally made rifle, two pumping machines, three pipes and other equipment.

According to the report, the suspects and recovered items were handed over to the FCT Mining Marshals for further action.

“In Kaduna, troops arrested a suspected criminal conveying 58 military helmets in a civilian vehicle from Abuja to Kaduna.

“Preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect claimed to have been contracted to deliver the helmets to an unidentified civilian.

“In another operation, troops arrested a suspected motorcycle robber in Gwagwalada, Abuja, for allegedly attacking road users and forcefully dispossessing them of their motorcycles.

“In Taraba, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested a suspected member of the notorious Kon yo Boys terrorist group in Ahmadu village, Takum Local Government Area,” it said.

The report further showed that troops also neutralised another suspected terrorist who allegedly attempted to escape during the operation and recovered an AK-47 rifle and a mobile phone.

It said the troops of Operation DELTA SAFE dismantled nine illegal refining sites in Ogbogolo and Ozochi forests, Abua/Odual Local Government Area of Rivers.

According to the report, troops recovered 93 sacks of stolen crude oil products estimated at 4,650 litres, alongside cooking drums, receiver drums, coolers, pipes and other refining equipment.

The army also disclosed the arrest of a suspected vandal over the destruction of the second Niger Bridge toll gate.

The military has reaffirmed its resolve to sustain ongoing operations across the country until criminal elements are dismantled and lasting peace is restored.

It assured Nigerians that troops would remain committed to intelligence-led operations, enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and protection of vulnerable communities.

The military also urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remains critical to the success of ongoing efforts to secure the country.