Police Nab 19 Illegal Miners in Zamfara as Terrorists Kill 4, Abducts Charcoal Traders in Borno
Security agencies recorded mixed developments across Zamfara and Borno states as police arrested 19 suspected illegal miners in a crackdown on unlawful activities, while suspected Boko Haram terrorists killed four charcoal traders and abducted four others in a late-night attack in northern Borno.
In Zamfara State, the Police Command confirmed the arrest of 19 suspects during a joint operation by the Anti-Illegal Mining Unit in Zurmi and Maradun Local Government Areas.
Sources in Gusau said the operation was carried out at about 2:00 p.m. on Friday in Boko Village, Zurmi LGA, and Kaya Village, Maradun LGA, following intelligence on illegal mining activities in the areas.
“The joint operation resulted in the arrest of 19 suspects involved in illegal mining. Investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the process,” a police source said.
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Meanwhile, in Borno State, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked charcoal traders in Gassarwa bush, Guzamala Local Government Area, killing four and abducting four others.
Sources said the incident occurred at about 11:30 p.m. on January 31, when a group of young men from Abbari Ward, Monguno, went into the bush to burn firewood for charcoal.
The Chairman of the Charcoal Traders Union in Monguno, Babagana Mallam, reportedly identified the deceased as Kaka Konto, Mainayi Modu, Alhaji Abba Bunu and Ibrahim Modu. Two other traders, Bakura Bale and Bakura Abbagana, sustained gunshot injuries and are receiving treatment at the General Hospital, Monguno.
Four victims — Adamu Yerima, Bukar Geidam, Dauda Mala Zara and Bukar Sale, all from Kuya Ward, Monguno — were abducted and taken to an unknown destination.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside police tactical units, the Civilian Joint Task Force, hunters and vigilantes, were deployed to the scene, while search-and-rescue operations are ongoing to locate the abducted victims. The remains of the deceased were released to their families for burial in line with Islamic rites.
Security authorities said the operations underscored ongoing efforts to combat criminality, illegal economic activities and insurgency across the region.
By PRNigeria
