The Mining Marshals have apprehended five individuals in connection with alleged illegal mining and impersonation activities at Kabi Mangoro, Kuje Area Council, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The operation, carried out on 27 December 2025, followed credible intelligence regarding ongoing unlawful mining activities in the area.
The suspects are:
Muhammed Aliyu, 39
Abdulrahman Hashimu, 32
Tahir Muhammed, 43
Awaje Abduljalal, 19
Kabiru Adamu, 38
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were operating multiple illegal mining sites across Abuja and Nasarawa State. They reportedly used a privately owned Toyota Hilux, marked with NSCDC colours and insignia, to evade security checks and intimidate stakeholders.
During questioning, the suspects allegedly admitted to the offences and identified Alhaji Mohammed Dahiru Salihu, popularly known as Mundasa of Mundasa Global Limited, as their leader. He remains at large. One suspect, claiming to be a manager, stated that only Mundasa could explain the absence of valid mining licences and statutory documentation.
Further investigations revealed that other suspects still at large had attempted to compromise the lawful mineral title holder and obstruct the ongoing probe. All findings have been formally documented and will support the prosecution.
While the suspects were granted temporary bail following an application by their counsel, Douglas Najime of Chatham Partners, investigations continue.
ACC John Onoja Attah, Commander of the Mining Marshals, reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal mining and assured that the suspects will face the full weight of the law upon conclusion of investigations.
The Mining Marshals also warned that impersonating security agencies is a serious threat to public trust and national security, reaffirming their commitment to sanitising Nigeria’s mining sector.