Nigeria charges three with terrorism, illegal gold mining over school abduction
Nigeria's government has linked illegal gold mining to a proscribed terrorist group in a 10-count charge over a school kidnapping, highlighting the intersection of resource theft and regional insecurity for investors.
The Nigerian Federal Government has filed terrorism, kidnapping and illegal mining charges against three men. The charges follow the abduction of pupils and teachers from a school in Oyo State.
The 10-count charge, filed on Friday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, targets Abdulrazak Umar, also known as Abu Khalifa, Yunusa Musa and Shamsu Adamu Sani. For investors and corporate risk officers, the combination of unauthorized resource extraction and violent extremism underscores the complex security environment in Nigeria's interior regions.
Prosecutors allege Umar unlawfully mined gold in streams located in the Chaza area of Suleja between 2024 and 2026, contrary to Section 8(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act. This unlicensed extraction occurred in the same Niger State locality where the suspects are based, illustrating how illicit mineral networks can intersect with armed groups.
The core of the charges relates to a conspiracy to kidnap schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State's Oriire Local Government Area between January and May 2026. The government claims the defendants aided this plot and concealed the identities of the alleged masterminds—named as Muhammad Sani, Jibril Mohammed and Ibrahim Khabab—despite having prior knowledge, contrary to Sections 26(2) and 16(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Authorities state the accused professed membership in Darul Salam, an affiliate of the proscribed terrorist organisation Jama’atu Ansarul Muslimina Fi Biladis Sudan (Ansaru). Umar faces additional accusations of using a WhatsApp group titled “The Oneness of Allah is the Foundation of Peace” to provide terrorist training and incite violence. These actions violate both the Terrorism Act and the Cybercrimes Act 2015.
The Department of State Services has concluded its investigation into the three suspects. A security source indicated the men are expected to be arraigned next week. “Others are still being investigated as the agency remains committed to ensuring diligent prosecution,” the source said.
