Troops conducting security operations in Plateau State have arrested six people suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities in Bassa Local Government Area.
The suspects were apprehended on Tuesday at a mining site in Agindi Village by troops of Sector 1, Operation Enduring Peace.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 2:50pm as part of efforts to disrupt illegal mining and associated criminal activities in the area.
Those arrested were identified as Gabriel Sunday, 17; Shedrack Bulus, 17; Vincent Amos, 17; Victor Ishaya, 19; Michael Adikaba, 15; and Nikus Adikaba, 19.
Troops also recovered two diggers, shovels, cutlasses, one fetcher and five mobile phones from the site.
The suspects and recovered items were taken into custody for profiling and further action.
The operation forms part of ongoing security efforts to tackle illegal mining activities and prevent mining sites from being used to facilitate other criminal activities in the area.
