Operatives of the Nigerian Army has arrested three illegal miners and recovered exhibit items from them during a crackdown operation held in Nasarawa State.
The troops, during an operation aimed at curbing unauthorised mining activities in the area arrested the trio and also recovered items such as a pumping machine, two hoses, five shovels, two diggers, two gallons of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, and an MP3 player.
The enforcement which happened yesterday at Opa 2 area, in Nasarawa Local Government Area at about 11:45 a.m. yesterday was held by troops deployed from the 177 Guards Battalion at Forward Operating Base Mararaba Udege under Operation MESA, as told by a security sources familiar with the operation.
He disclosed that the three illegal miners and the recovered equipment were later handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, for further investigation and necessary action.
The respondent also stated that the operation forms part of ongoing security efforts to disrupt illegal mining and safeguard mineral resources in Nasarawa State.
The army cautioned residents of the area to desist from the unlawful act and other criminal activities, noting that the government would impose the full wrath of the law in erring individuals.