Mining Marshals boss to IGP: “Police FID plotting to cripple us” over illegal mining war

● NSCDC commander petitions Disu, alleges “Team N” arrested three officers for Kaduna guard’s death, demands release

 

Commander of the NSCDC Mining Marshals, Attah John Onoja, has petitioned Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu, accusing operatives of the Force Intelligence Department, FID, of orchestrating a “grand conspiracy” to undermine and discredit the elite anti-illegal mining unit.

In a 16-page petition dated May 27, 2026 and received at Force HQ May 29, Onoja alleged that “Team N” within Police FID fabricated claims and arrested 3 management officials over the death of a personnel at a Kaduna mining site.

Copies were sent to the Presidency, AGF, NSA, DSS, NSCDC Commandant-General and other key institutions.

—Kaduna shooting at Rafin Gabas—

The dispute stems from the Feb 18, 2026 killing of Guard Commander Agada Levi, fatally shot at Rafin Gabas mining site, Kaduna State, after a distress call.

Onoja said all guards on duty were arrested and the victim rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead Feb 19. A 3-month internal probe reportedly identified guards Hosea Habila and Jibrin Labaran as key suspects, though no motive was established.

The commander claimed circumstances suggested “external involvement” and alleged that Police FID officers had “vested interests” in the disputed mining site.

He added that Levi’s family expressed satisfaction with NSCDC’s handling. Documents attached showed the family thanked the unit and received ₦8m support: ₦5m for burial, ₦3m for the widow, plus ₦400k donated by Onoja personally. Two family members also got employment offers.

—“Unlawful arrests” of management staff—

Onoja alleged that despite the family resolution, FID arrested officer Iwodi Obochi on May 20, 2026 without notifying NSCDC leadership, and held him incommunicado. Assistant Corps Superintendent Ibrahim Ayefu and Superintendent Simeon Anyebe were later arrested before NSCDC could respond to police invitation.

He described the arrests as unlawful and accused FID of extending “conspiracy and culpable homicide” charges to management personnel with no operational role in the incident.

—History of clashes at mining sites—

The petition revisits previous confrontations: alleged violent incidents by Police FID at Rafin Gabas in April 2025 and Ogunlepa, Ondo State in Feb 2026. Earlier complaints to police authorities yielded no response, Onoja claimed, arguing the current probe may be tied to unresolved enforcement disputes over illegal mining sites.

—Demands to IGP Disu—

Onoja urged the IGP to:
1. Order immediate release of detained officers
2. Withdraw invitation letters issued to other NSCDC personnel
3. Provide updates on probes into alleged shootings of Mining Marshals by police in Kaduna and Ondo

“I believe law enforcement agencies should work in synergy, devoid of unnecessary rivalry. We owe Nigerians transparency, professionalism and collaboration,” he stated.

As of press time, Police FID and Force HQ had not responded to the allegations.

[Source: PRNigeria story rejigged]