The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 11 suspected illegal miners operating without licences, comprising 7 Chinese nationals and 4 Nigerians, in Akwa Ibom State.
EFCC disclosed that the suspects were nabbed by operatives of its Uyo Zonal Directorate on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Emem-Asuk community, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of the State.
The Chinese suspects are Yang Chaobao (32), Zhong Dun Yi (33), Cheng Jiang (35), Zhong Dun Long (37), Pan Peiming (33), Lai Yiping (37), and Zhu Lekun (35), while the Nigerians are David Israel (18), Jonah Bartholomew Jim (24), Samuel Timothy (20), and a female translator, Comfort Gabriel Ajaga (23).
According to the EFCC, the suspects were operating two illegal mining sites in Eastern Obolo LGA, where they were arrested while setting up mining equipment at a second location.
“They were already engaged in illegal mining activities at their first location where they were mining ilmenite locally called ‘black sand’.
“During questioning, the only female among the suspects said her only connection to the illegal miners was her proficiency in speaking ‘Mandarin’, a widely spoken language in China,” the Commission noted.
Speaking about her involvement, Ajaga said: “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.”
The anti-graft agency stated that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
