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 raid.
The operation, which took place around 1:00 p.m. on April 13 in Taki community, was carried out by troops of the 12 Brigade of the Nigerian Army in collaboration with local vigilante operatives.
Security sources said the suspects claimed to be gold dealers and identified themselves as members of the Miyetti Allah socio-cultural group.
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 totaling N68,100.
The arrested suspects, along with the recovered items, are currently in military custody as investigations continue.
Authorities said the raid forms part of sustained operations aimed at ending illegal mining activities and tackling crimes linked to mineral exploitation across Kogi State.
