FCT illegal miners arrest sees 98 suspects detained in Gwagwalada as troops recover vehicles and mining equipment during intelligence-led operation
Troops of 176 Guards Battalion under Operation MESA arrested 98 suspected illegal miners at a site in Gwagwalada Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, on 23 March 2026. The operation followed intelligence reports on unauthorised mining activities in the area.
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Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region, disclosed via X that the raid was conducted at approximately 5:55 p.m., with troops storming the site and apprehending the suspects without resistance.
Recovered items include one vehicle, eight motorcycles, five pumping machines, 27 shovels, seven sledgehammers, 22 diggers, three head pans, five mining mats, and a sack of charcoal.
Makama noted that the arrested suspects have been handed over to the Guards Brigade Provost Group for further investigation and necessary action.
The operation forms part of ongoing efforts by Operation MESA to curb illegal mining activities and reinforce security across the Federal Capital Territory.
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Authorities have warned that intelligence-led interventions will continue to target illegal miners and associated criminal networks.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
