Troops of the Nigerian Army under Operation MESA have arrested 13 suspected illegal miners at a newly excavated mining site in the Shere general area of Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Security analyst, Zagazola Makama, in his post on X on Tuesday, said security sources stated that the suspects were apprehended at about 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, by troops of the 7 Guards Battalion during an operation in the area.
He explained that the suspects were reportedly found at a newly excavated site suspected to be operating illegally.
He said, “The 13 suspects are currently in military custody for further action.”
According to him, the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by security forces to curb illegal mining activities, prevent the exploitation of mineral resources by unauthorised operators and address associated security concerns within the FCT.