The Mining Marshals have arrested five suspects over alleged illegal mining activities and impersonation of security personnel at Kabi Mangoro, Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The arrest, which took place on December 27, 2025, followed credible intelligence reports on ongoing illegal mining operations 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 allegedly operated multiple illegal mining sites across Abuja and Nasarawa State.
They were also accused of using a privately owned Toyota Hilux van branded with the colours and insignia of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to evade security checks and intimidate stakeholders.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly 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 account for the absence of valid mining licences and statutory documentation.
Investigators further uncovered attempts by other suspects still at large to compromise the lawful mineral title holder and undermine the ongoing investigation. These developments have been formally documented and will form part of the prosecution’s case.
Although the suspects were granted temporary bail following an application by their counsel, Douglas Najime of Chatham Partners, authorities confirmed that investigations are still ongoing.
Speaking on the arrest, the Commander of the Mining Marshals, ACC John Onoja Attah, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance policy on illegal mining, assuring that the suspects would be charged to court upon 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.
