The Mining Marshals have arrested five suspects over alleged illegal mining and impersonation at Kabi Mangoro in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The arrest followed credible intelligence reports indicating ongoing illegal mining activities in the area. Those arrested are Muhammed Aliyu (39), Abdulrahman Hashimu (32), Tahir Muhammed (43), Awaje Abduljalal (19) and Kabiru Adamu (38).
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly operating multiple illegal mining sites across parts of Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa State. Investigators also discovered that the suspects reportedly used a privately owned Toyota Hilux vehicle branded with the colours and insignia of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to evade security checks and intimidate local stakeholders.
During interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to the offences and identified Alhaji Mohammed Dahiru Salihu, popularly known as Mundasa, of Mundasa Global Limited, as their leader. He is currently at large. One of the suspects, who claimed to be a manager, stated that only Mundasa could explain the absence of valid mining licences and other statutory documentation covering the operations.
Further investigations uncovered alleged attempts by other suspects still at large to compromise the lawful mineral title holder and frustrate the ongoing investigation. Authorities said these findings have been formally documented and will form part of the prosecution process.
Although the suspects were granted temporary bail following an application by their counsel, Douglas Najime of Chatham Partners, officials confirmed that investigations are continuing.
Speaking on the development, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Onoja Attah, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s zero tolerance for illegal mining, assuring that all those involved would be made to face the full weight of the law at the conclusion of investigations.
He also warned that impersonation of security agencies poses a serious threat to public trust and national security, reiterating the commitment of the Mining Marshals to sanitising Nigeria’s mining sector and protecting legitimate operators.
