Illegal Mining: EFCC Arrests 31, Including 4 Chinese, in Jos

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have arrested 31 individuals including 4 Chinese and 27 Nigerians, suspected to be illegal miners.

The arrest were made on Saturday March 8, 2025, at the premises of Jiasheng Nigeria Limited, located at Dura Rayfield, Mangu Road, Jos.

According to the EFCC, credible intelligence linked the company to illegal mining operations in the state.

Among those apprehended were four Chinese nationals and 27 Nigerians, including suppliers.

It is also allegedly that the suspects were found in possession of unprocessed solid minerals illegally mined.

The Chinese nationals arrested were identified as Liang Qinyong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong. The Nigerian suspects included Akilu Akonimi, Umar Mohammed, Aaron Davo, Auwal Abdullahi, Haruna Umar, Prosper Goddey, Alex Long, Mathew Onmaza, Oupe Anzaku, Samson Luka, John Nwang, and Saidu Mohammed.

Others taken into custody were Mohammed Musa, Abubakar Ibrahim, Mohammed Zaradeen, Yakubu Adidzi, Isah Dahiru, Yusuf Musa, Benjamin D. Dalop, Ibrahim Wakili, Adam Muhammed, Abubakar Ahmed Muazu, Murtala Abubakar, Peter Yakubu, Ibrahim Musa, Monday Christopher, and Billard Musa.

The EFCC also recovered substantial exhibits, including a truck loaded with eight bags of processed monazite, a valuable mineral used in various industrial applications.

The bags reportedly weighed a total of 1,000 kilograms, with an estimated value of N4million each.

Oyewale said “The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

The EFCC emphasised its commitment to combating illegal mining activities, which have been detrimental to Nigeria’s economy and environmental sustainability.

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