Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from the Kaduna Zonal Directorate have arrested nine individuals, including five Chinese nationals, for alleged illegal mining activities in Niger State.
The suspects were apprehended following intelligence reports about their unauthorized operations in Kaniyan Village, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.
According to the EFCC, the arrested Chinese nationals have been identified as Wu Ping, Xu XianLiang, Xu Aimin, Xeu Cihuo, and Liu Changhua. Four Nigerian accomplices—Ibrahim Abdullahi, Sunday Oladele, Destiny John, and Bulus Samuel—were also taken into custody during the operation.
Sophisticated Mining Equipment Recovered
The anti-graft agency recovered an extensive array of mining equipment and machinery from the site. These include multiple power generating sets from various manufacturers such as Stamford, Inlong, Taiyo, and Kaishan KSCY-33018.
Other items seized during the operation include industrial and small crushing machines, a gold melting machine, dumper trucks, pay loaders, and water pumping machines. The suspects were also found in possession of a Tacoma truck, a Lexus 470 SUV, diesel rubber tanks, welding machines, drilling machines, and gas cylinders.
Of particular concern to authorities was the discovery of potentially dangerous materials, including two cartons of explosives, blasting caps, and various chemicals used in the mining process.
Additional items recovered include an extractor, a white-coloured detection device, weighing scales, mining safety gear, and a Super Zandaz water pumping machine.
Legal Proceedings to Follow
The EFCC has stated that all nine suspects will face legal charges upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations. Illegal mining remains a significant concern in Nigeria, with authorities increasingly cracking down on unauthorized operations that deprive the country of valuable resources and revenue.
This arrest highlights the continuing challenge of regulating mining activities across Nigeria, particularly those involving foreign nationals operating without proper authorization.
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