Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five Chinese nationals for their involvement in illegal mining operations in Ndito-Eka-Iba village, Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The suspects, who were extracting the valuable mineral ilmenite, a titanium iron oxide, were apprehended by the commission’s Special Task Force following intelligence reports on their activities.
According to a statement released on Sunday by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, the suspects—identified as Zhon Qinping, Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou, and Chen Zeng—were arrested between August 29 and September 10. The arrests mark the latest move by Nigerian authorities to clamp down on the illegal exploitation of the country’s natural resources by foreign operators.
“The five individuals were arrested at an illegal mining site for extracting ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral, following credible intelligence on the illegal activities of foreign mining companies in Eket and Ibeno Local Government Areas,” Oyewale said.
The EFCC’s intervention comes amid growing concerns over the unregulated mining sector in Nigeria, particularly in resource-rich regions where foreign entities often operate without proper oversight. Oyewale confirmed that once investigations are concluded, the suspects will face prosecution in court.
This latest crackdown underscores Nigeria’s heightened focus on addressing illegal mining activities, which not only deplete the nation’s mineral wealth but also pose environmental and social risks to local communities. With foreign nationals now in custody, the EFCC’s action sends a strong message about the country’s resolve to protect its natural resources from illegal exploitation.
