Mining marshals say five persons have been  arrested for illegal mining in the Kuje area council in Abuja.

The suspects were disguised as operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, John Onoja Attah, commander of the mining marshals, said in a statement on Wednesday.

He noted that the suspects, Muhammed Aliyu, 39; Abdulrahman Hashimu, 32; Tahir Muhammed, 43; Awaje Abduljalal, 19; and Kabiru Adamu, 38, were arrested on Saturday at Kebi Mangoro, Kuje.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in operating multiple illegal mining sites across Abuja and neighbouring Nasarawa state,” said the statement. “Investigators further alleged that the group deployed a privately owned Toyota Hilux vehicle branded with the colours and insignia of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to evade security checkpoints and intimidate stakeholders.”

It added, “One of them, who identified himself as a manager, reportedly told investigators that their operations were directed by one Alhaji Mohammed Dahiru Salihu, popularly known as Mundasa of Mundasa Global Limited, who is currently at large.

“The suspect claimed that only Mr Salihu could explain why the group lacked the requisite licences and statutory documentation required to operate in the solid minerals sector.”

The suspects were released on bail following an application by their counsel, Douglas Najime of Chatham Partners.

The statement explained that, while the investigation is ongoing, the principal suspect and other accomplices who remain at large allegedly approached the nominal complainant, the lawful mineral titleholder on whose concession the arrests were made, in an attempt to compromise and undermine the investigation.

He expressed concern over growing security threats associated with illegal mining, especially the impersonation of security agencies, adding that the use of an NSCDC-branded Hilux vehicle by the suspects posed a direct risk to public trust and national security.