The Nigerian Army has achieved significant successes in its ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and economic sabotage across the country, including the arrest of 27 individuals involved in illegal mining activities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the neutralisation of numerous terrorists in coordinated nationwide operations.
In a recent operation focused on curbing illegal mining within the FCT, troops conducted targeted raids and arrests, apprehending 27 suspects engaged in unauthorised extraction of solid minerals. Illegal mining has long been a concern in parts of the FCT and surrounding areas, often linked to environmental degradation, revenue loss for the government, and in some cases, funding for criminal networks including banditry and terrorism. The suspects were nabbed in operations likely involving collaboration with other security agencies, though specific details on the location within the FCT (such as areas like Gwagwalada, Kuje, or boundary zones with Niger State) were not immediately specified in initial reports. The arrested individuals are currently in custody, where they are assisting authorities with investigations. Authorities have emphasised that such activities undermine national resources, pose ecological risks, and contribute to broader insecurity.
This clampdown on illegal miners aligns with wider federal efforts to regulate the mining sector, including recent directives to shut down operations near critical infrastructure and enforce environmental compliance.
Simultaneously, the Nigerian Army has sustained intense offensive actions against terrorist groups, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal elements across multiple theatres of operation. In recent coordinated land and air missions, troops neutralised dozens of terrorists nationwide, disrupting their logistics, hideouts, and operational capabilities. These operations spanned regions including the North-East (targeting Boko Haram, ISWAP, and JAS elements in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe), North-West (actions against Lakurawa and bandits in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kaduna), North-Central, and other zones.
The military’s efforts resulted in the recovery of substantial caches of arms, ammunition, motorcycles, communication equipment, and other logistics items. Additionally, troops rescued several kidnapped victims, including women and children, and handed over some suspects to relevant agencies for prosecution. The sustained pressure has been credited with restoring relative calm in several communities and degrading the fighting strength of terrorist networks.
The Director of Defence Media Operations and other military sources have highlighted these achievements as part of a broader strategy under the Chief of Army Staff to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty, safeguard citizens, and support economic stability by denying safe havens to criminals. The Army has urged citizens to provide timely intelligence to aid these operations and reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts until lasting peace is achieved.
These developments come amid ongoing national security challenges, where illegal mining and terrorism have sometimes intersected, with proceeds from illicit activities allegedly funding armed groups. The Nigerian military’s multifaceted approach continues to target both economic saboteurs and violent extremists to enhance overall security in the country.