Troops of Operation Udo Ka have arrested four suspected illegal miners in Ebonyi State’s Ivo Local Government Area for allegedly engaging in unauthorized mining activities.

The suspects were apprehended during a military operation in the area, where troops also recovered a mini-truck, heavy-duty sapper cables, and an automotive battery believed to have been used in the illegal operation.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Michael Onoja, disclosed that the troops encountered resistance while transporting the suspects and seized items to their base.

According to him, local youths from the Ihietu community allegedly attacked the military convoy with stones in an attempt to free the suspects.

“While transporting the arrested suspects and seized equipment to the military base, troops were aggressively obstructed by an organized mob of local youths from the Ihietu community who attacked the convoy with stones to free the suspects,” Onoja stated.

He explained that troops exercised restraint during the incident and fired two warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd and restore order without causing casualties.

In a separate operation, troops on night patrol within the Ibeagu area of Izzi Local Government Area reportedly sighted two suspicious individuals carrying a concealed container.

However, the suspects fled into the bush after being challenged by security personnel, abandoning a bag containing a locally fabricated pistol and live ammunition.

Onoja added that ongoing coordinated land, air, and maritime operations by the military had led to the elimination of several hostile fighters, destruction of insurgent hideouts, and the surrender of terrorists in different parts of the country.

He further noted that military operations have disrupted illegal oil bunkering networks in the Niger Delta, intercepted illicit arms and narcotics across the North Central and North West regions, and secured the rescue of several kidnapped victims.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their courage, professionalism, and resilience in various operational theatres nationwide.

The Armed Forces also reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Nigeria’s constitutional democracy while operating in accordance with international humanitarian law and established rules of engagement.

Citizens were urged to remain vigilant, reject criminal propaganda, and continue providing security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to enhance national security.