NSCDC mining marshals nab five over illegal mining, impersonation in Abuja
Mining marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have arrested five men for alleged illegal mining and impersonation in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The suspects were arrested on Saturday at Kebi Mangoro, Kuje, following credible intelligence on ongoing illegal mining activities, the commander of the mining marshals, John Attah, said in a statement on Tuesday.
Those arrested were identified as Muhammed Aliyu (39), Abdulrahman Hashimu (32), Tahir Muhammed (43), Awaje Abduljalal (19) and Kabiru Adamu (38).
Attah said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects operated multiple illegal mining sites across parts of Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa State.
He added that the group allegedly used a privately owned Toyota Hilux painted in the colours and bearing the insignia of the NSCDC to evade security checkpoints and intimidate stakeholders in the solid minerals sector.
According to him, the suspects confessed to the offences during interrogation.
“One of the suspects disclosed that the operations were allegedly directed by Mohammed Dahiru Salihu, popularly known as Mundasa of Mundasa Global Limited, who is currently at large,” Attah said.
“The suspect stated that only Salihu could explain why the group lacked the required licences and statutory documentation to operate in the solid minerals sector.”
The commander further disclosed that intelligence reports indicated attempts by the principal suspect and other accomplices, who are still at large, to compromise the investigation.
Attah expressed concern over what he described as the growing security threats associated with illegal mining, noting that the impersonation of security agencies — including the use of an NSCDC-branded vehicle — posed serious risks to public trust and national security.
He said the suspects were granted temporary bail following an application by their counsel, Douglas Najime of Chatham Partners, adding that they would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.