EFCC arrests five Chinese Nationals for illegal mining in Akwa Ibom

The Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended five Chinese nationals suspected of illegal mining in Akwa Ibom State.

The arrests took place in Ndito-Eka-Iba village, Ibiono Local Government Area, following a special operation by the EFCC’s Special Task Force on Illegal Mining.

According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the arrests were made based on credible intelligence about foreign mining companies engaging in unlawful extraction activities in the Eket and Ibiono regions.

The suspects, identified as Zhon Qinping (arrested on September 10, 2024), Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou, and Chen Zeng (all arrested on August 29, 2024), were caught operating at an illegal mining site, where they were reportedly extracting ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral.

The EFCC confirmed that the suspects will face charges in court once investigations are completed. This operation underscores the commission’s ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s natural resources.