The Nigerian Army has arrested 13 suspected illegal miners during a security operation at a mining site in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The suspects were apprehended by troops after they were found at a newly excavated mining site suspected to be operating without the required authorisation.
A military respondent disclosed they the arrests was made at the Shere general area of Bwari Area Council at about 3:30 p.m. yesterday, with the operation conducted by troops of the 7 Guards Battalion under Operation MESA.
The source confirmed on Wednesday to correspondents that the 13 suspects had been taken into military custody for further action.
Meanwhile, their arrest forms part of ongoing military efforts to tackle illegal mining and prevent unauthorised individuals from exploiting mineral resources within the FCT.
Also, the operation aims to address security threats associated with illegal mining activities, particularly those arising from unregulated mining operations and the activities of unauthorised operators.