Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested seven Chinese nationals and four Nigerians for allegedly engaging in mining activities without the required licenses in Akwa Ibom State.
According to EFCC Spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the suspects were apprehended on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Emem-Asuk community in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of the state.
The Chinese nationals were identified as Yang Chaobao (32), Zhong Dun Yi (33), Cheng Jiang (35), Zhong Dun Long (37), Pan Peiming (33), Lai Yiping (37), and Zhu Lekun (35). Their Nigerian accomplices include Dapvid Israel (18), Jonah Bartholomew Jim (24), Samuel Samuel Timothy (20), and a female translator, Comfort Gabriel Ajaga (23).
Oyewale revealed that the suspects were operating two illegal mining sites in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area. They were caught while setting up mining equipment at a second location, having already engaged in illegal mining activities at their first site where they were extracting ilmenite, locally known as 'black sand'.
During interrogation, the only female among the suspects, Comfort Gabriel Ajaga, claimed her connection to the illegal miners was solely due to her proficiency in speaking Mandarin, a widely spoken Chinese language.
"I am a student, and I am studying Chinese language at a Learning Centre in Anambra State and I only work with them as a translator," she stated.
The EFCC spokesperson confirmed that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
This arrest highlights ongoing concerns about illegal mining operations in Nigeria, which often involve foreign nationals working with local collaborators to exploit the country's mineral resources without proper authorization or environmental safeguards.
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