Mining Marshals Arrest 5 Suspects For Illegal Mining, Impersonation In Abuja

The Mining Marshals have arrested five men over alleged illegal mining activities and impersonation in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The suspects were arrested on 27 December 2025 at Kebi Mangoro, Kuje Area Council, following what officials described as a credible intelligence tip-off on ongoing illegal mining operations.

Those arrested were identified as Muhammed Aliyu, 39; Abdulrahman Hashimu, 32; Tahir Muhammed, 43; Awaje Abduljalal, 19; and Kabiru Adamu, 38.

According to the Mining Marshals, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in operating multiple illegal mining sites across Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa State.

The Mining Marshals expressed particular concern over what they described as the growing security threats associated with illegal mining, especially the impersonation of security agencies.

They noted that the use of an NSCDC-branded Hilux vehicle by the suspects posed a direct risk to public trust and national security.

Although the suspects were temporarily released on bail following an application by their counsel, Douglas Najime of Chatham Partners, the Mining Marshals said investigations were ongoing.

Reaffirming the Federal Government’s zero-tolerance policy against illegal mining, ACC John Onoja Attah, Commander of the Mining Marshals, assured that the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

Mr Attah said the case would be prosecuted strictly in line with the Mining Marshals’ Standard Operating Procedures, adding that the NSCDC would not relent in its resolve to sanitise Nigeria’s mining sector and dismantle all networks involved in illegal mining activities nationwide.