Nasarawa: Five suspected illegal miners arrested and explosives recovered.

Troops of the 177 Guards Battalion arrested five suspected illegal miners and seized explosives and other mining equipment during an operation in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The incident was announced on X on Tuesday by Zagazola Makama, a counter‑insurgency and security expert in the Lake Chad region.

Makama said the suspects were taken into custody at about 12:00 p.m. on June 1 during a long‑range patrol by troops stationed at Forward Operating Base Tattara and Patrol Base Zango under Operation MESA.

The operation targeted an illegal mining site in the Tattara community of Karu LGA, where the suspects were allegedly engaged in unauthorized mining activities.

According to Makama, the troops recovered seven explosive devices, one detonating cord, detonators, a pumping machine, a generator and three motorcycles. He added that the seized explosives and equipment were believed to have been used at the mining site.

“The suspects were arrested at the illegal mining location and are currently in military custody alongside the recovered items pending further investigation,” he said.

The security expert noted that the operation is part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining, which authorities say poses security, environmental and economic risks to host communities and the nation.

“Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects are expected to be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action upon the conclusion of preliminary inquiries,” he added.