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Local government

EFCC Arrests 11 Suspected Illegal Miners in Akwa Ibom State

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have made a significant breakthrough in the fight against illegal mining activities in Nigeria. On Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Emem-Asuk community, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, 11 suspects were arrested for engaging in mining activities without requisite licenses. The suspects include 7 Chinese nationals and 4 Nigerian accomplices, with 1 female translator among them. The arrest comes as a major victory in the efforts to curb the illicit trade and protect the country's natural resources.

Key Takeaways:

  • 11 suspects, including 7 Chinese nationals and 4 Nigerian accomplices, were arrested for engaging in illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State.
  • The suspects are operating two illegal mining sites in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, where they were mining ilmenite, also known as 'black sand'.
  • The suspects' mining activities were conducted without requisite licenses, highlighting a breach of national regulations.
  • The EFCC is investigating the suspects and will charge them to court upon conclusion of the investigation.
  • Comfort Gabriel Ajaga, a 23-year-old woman, is a student and a translator who worked with the suspects due to her proficiency in speaking Mandarin, a widely spoken language in China.
  • David Israel, 18, Jonah Bartholomew Jim, 24, Samuel Samuel Timothy, 20, are the Nigerian accomplices arrested in the operation.

Statistics:

  • 7 Chinese nationals were arrested, including Yang Chaobao, 32, Zhong Dun Yi, 33, Cheng Jiang, 35, Zhong Dun Long, 37, Pan Peiming, 33, Lai Yiping, 37, and Zhu Lekun, 35.
  • 4 Nigerian individuals were arrested, including David Israel, 18, Jonah Bartholomew Jim, 24, Samuel Samuel Timothy, 20, and Comfort Gabriel Ajaga, 23.
  • 2 illegal mining sites were discovered and shut down in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State.
  • The illegal mining activities were conducted without requisite licenses, resulting in the loss of revenue and potential environmental hazards.

Sources:

  • "EFCC Arrests Suspected Illegal Miners in Akwa Ibom", _The Nation_

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