EFCC nabs seven Chinese, four Nigerians for suspected illegal mining in A’Ibom

Etim Ekpimah

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested eleven suspected illegal miners for engaging in mining activities without requisite licences.

A statement signed and made available to journalists on Monday by Dele Oyewale, Head, Media and Publicity, EFCC, stated that the suspects were arrested on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at Emem-Asuk community, Eastern Obolo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The seven 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. Their Nigerian accomplices are David Israel, 18; Jonah Bartholomew Jim, 24; Samuel Samuel Timothy, 20; and a female translator, Comfort Gabriel Ajaga, 23.

The statement noted that the suspects are operating two illegal mining sites at the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area, where they were arrested while setting up mining equipment at a second location.

According to him, the Chinese 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.

“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,” she said.

Oyewale said that the suspects would be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation.