The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five Chinese nationals over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State.
The arrest was made by operatives from the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate, following intelligence reports of unlawful mining operations in the region.
The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement, saying a Special Task Force arrested the suspects in illegal mining at Ndito-Eka-Iba village in the Ibiono local government area of the state.
According to the EFCC, the illegal mining operation targeted ilmenite, a valuable titanium-iron oxide mineral often used in various industries.
The EFCC said the arrests occurred over weeks.
The first suspect, identified as Zhon Qinping, was detained on September 10, 2024, at Ibiono LGA.
Subsequently, on August 29, 2024, four other Chinese nationals’ Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou, and Chen Zeng were arrested at the same mining site.
The arrests were part of a broader investigation into foreign mining companies operating illegally in the Eket and Ibiono LGAs of Akwa Ibom.
The EFCC confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody and will face prosecution once investigations are completed.
The arrests are part of a broader effort to regulate the country’s mining industry, ensuring that foreign nationals and companies adhere to Nigeria’s mining laws.