EFCC Arrests Four Chinese, 27 Nigerians for Illegal Mining in Jos

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 31 suspected illegal miners, including four Chinese nationals and 27 Nigerians, in Jos, Plateau State.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, in a statement on Tuesday, said the suspects were apprehended on Saturday, 8 March 2025, during a raid at Jiasheng Nigeria Limited, located at Dura Rayfield, Mangu Road, Jos. The operation followed credible intelligence linking the company to illegal mining activities.

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

During the raid, EFCC operatives recovered a truck loaded with eight bags of processed monazite, each weighing 1,000kg and valued at ₦4 million per bag.

The arrested individuals were found in possession of unprocessed solid minerals suspected to have been illegally mined, the EFCC stated.

The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling illegal mining, describing it as threatening Nigeria’s economy and environment. It warned stakeholders in the mining sector to comply with regulations, adding that enforcement efforts would intensify nationwide.

Illegal mining remains a significant challenge in Nigeria, particularly in mineral-rich states such as Plateau, Zamfara, and Osun. The practice has been linked to environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and security concerns, including its potential role in funding criminal activities.

The EFCC said the suspects would be prosecuted once investigations were concluded.

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