The Mining Marshals have arrested five suspects for alleged illegal mining and impersonation at Kabi Mangoro, Kuje Area Council, FCT Abuja.
The arrest, carried out on 27 December 2025, followed credible intelligence on ongoing illegal mining activities in the area.
Suspects arrested: 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 Abuja and Nasarawa State.
They reportedly used a privately owned Toyota Hilux branded with NSCDC colours and insignia to evade security checks and intimidate 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 suspect, who claimed to be a manager, stated that only Mundasa could explain the absence of valid mining licences and statutory documentation.
Investigations further uncovered attempts by suspects still at large to compromise the lawful mineral title holder and undermine the investigation.
These developments have been formally documented and will form part of the prosecution.
Although the suspects were granted temporary bail following an application by their counsel, Douglas Najime of Chatham Partners, investigations remain ongoing.
Speaking on the matter, ACC John Onoja Attah, Commander of the Mining Marshals, reaffirmed the govt has zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining, assuring that the suspects will face the law at the conclusion of investigations.
The Mining Marshals warn that impersonation of security agencies poses a serious threat to public trust and national security and reiterate their commitment to sanitising Nigeria’s mining sector.
