Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
ABUJA, NIGERIA — In a concerted effort to clamp down on unlawful mineral extraction and the dangerous trend of criminal impersonation of security forces, the Mining Marshals of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have apprehended five men in the Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The arrests, made on December 27, 2025, stem from actionable intelligence pointing to ongoing illegal mining operations that also involved the misuse of security insignia to intimidate local stakeholders and evade law enforcement checkpoints.
According to a statement issued by Assistant Commandant of Corps (ACC) John Onoja Attah, commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, the suspects were apprehended at Kebi Mangoro, a community within Kuje known for both authorised and illicit extraction activities. Investigations revealed that the group was not only engaged in unlicensed mining within Abuja but also operated across state borders into neighbouring Nasarawa State, leveraging deceptive tactics to conceal their activities from authorities.
The suspects were identified as Muhammed Aliyu (39), Abdulrahman Hashimu (32), Tahir Muhammed (43), Awaje Abduljalal (19), and Kabiru Adamu (38). Officials allege that the men used a privately owned Toyota Hilux vehicle adorned with the colours and insignia of the NSCDC to bypass checkpoints, create an illusion of legitimacy and intimidate genuine mining operators and residents in the area. Such impersonation of a federal security agency has raised serious concerns about public trust and the safety of mining sector stakeholders.
Preliminary investigations suggest the group operated multiple illegal mining sites, extracting solid minerals without the necessary licences or statutory documentation mandated by Nigeria’s mining laws. One suspect, who identified himself as the group’s manager during interrogation, claimed that Alhaji Mohammed Dahiru Salihu, popularly known as Mundasa of Mundasa Global Limited, directed their operations. Salihu is reportedly at large and may hold key information about the absence of lawful permits and sector compliance.
The NSCDC Mining Marshals also disclosed that intelligence reports indicated attempts by Salihu and other accomplices to compromise the investigation. Investigators say the principal suspect and members of the network approached the lawful mineral titleholder — the legitimate concession owner for the mining site — in an attempt to undermine the probe. Officials have documented these reported interference attempts and intend to include them as part of the evidence during prosecution.
While the suspects confessed to involvement in illegal mining and impersonation during interrogation, they were temporarily released on bail following an application from their counsel, Douglas Najime of Chatham Partners. Authorities emphasised that the release on bail does not diminish the seriousness of the offences; rather, the suspects will be formally charged in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
Illegal mining has been a longstanding challenge in Nigeria, undermining economic potential, degrading the environment, and empowering criminal networks. The Federal Government, through agencies such as the NSCDC Mining Marshals, has signalled a zero-tolerance stance against such activities. The mining marshals were established under a broader security architecture to curb illegal mineral extraction and safeguard Nigeria’s substantial solid mineral resources.
A particularly concerning aspect of this case is the impersonation of NSCDC operatives, a tactic that not only jeopardises public confidence in law enforcement but also facilitates the exploitation of local communities and legitimate businesses. The use of branded vehicles and counterfeit insignia enables criminal actors to operate under false pretences, complicating efforts by genuine authorities to enforce the law and protect citizens.
The NSCDC Mining Marshals’ campaign against illegal mining sits within a broader national context in which Nigeria has been stepping up enforcement actions against unregulated extraction and related crimes. For instance, similar operations in other states have led to the arrest and prosecution of illegal miners and syndicates, with authorities increasingly using intelligence-driven enforcement to stem the rampant exploitation of solid minerals without licences.
Illegal mining presents not only economic and security dangers but also environmental harm. Unregulated extraction activities often lead to soil degradation, water contamination and deforestation, affecting arable land and local livelihoods. In regions like the Federal Capital Territory, where both agricultural and residential zones coexist with resource deposits, the disruptive impact of unlicensed mining can be profound.
In addition to the economic and environmental considerations, the allegations of security agency impersonation highlight growing organised crime threats linked to illegal resource exploitation. Criminal syndicates involved in mining often use sophisticated methods — from counterfeit credentials to armed intimidation — to protect their operations and shield networks from scrutiny. The NSCDC and other security agencies have been tasked with confronting such threats through coordinated operations and collaboration with mining authorities.
The arrest of these five men marks a continuation of intensified efforts to sanitise the Nigerian mining sector. The NSCDC Mining Marshals have reiterated their commitment to dismantling networks engaged in illicit mining and ensuring that those who violate the law — particularly through impersonation of security officials — are held accountable. Commander Attah affirmed that the suspects will face prosecution in accordance with established legal procedures once investigations are complete.
As Nigeria pursues economic reforms aimed at harnessing its solid mineral wealth for development, rooting out illegal mining and associated criminality remains crucial. Analysts and policymakers have repeatedly called for enhanced enforcement, better inter-agency cooperation, and public education on lawful mining operations to protect the nation’s resources and promote sustainable economic growth.
The case in Abuja underscores the complexity of tackling illegal mining, particularly when combined with crimes like impersonation that blur lines of authority and erode public trust. With continued vigilance and judicial process, authorities hope the arrests will deter similar unlawful activities and reinforce the integrity of Nigeria’s mining sector.
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