Troops of Operation MESA have dismantled an illegal mining camp in Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, arresting three suspects during a coordinated security operation.
The raid, carried out around 1:00 p.m. on April 13 in Taki community, involved personnel of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army working alongside local vigilante operatives.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects, who claimed to be gold dealers, also identified themselves as members of the Miyetti Allah socio-cultural group. Authorities, however, are investigating the veracity of those claims as part of ongoing inquiries.
Items recovered from the scene included a locally fabricated pistol, four cartridges, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two motorcycles, three mobile phones, two cutlasses, and cash amounting to ₦68,100.
The suspects are currently in military custody, along with the seized items, as investigations continue to determine the full scope of their activities and any possible links to organised criminal networks.
The operation forms part of intensified efforts by security agencies to clamp down on illegal mining and associated crimes, which authorities say have contributed to insecurity and economic sabotage in parts of Kogi State.
