The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of four Chinese nationals and 54 Nigerians over their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities across Jos in Plateau State and Minna in Niger State. The operation, which took place shortly before the recent Eid el-Fitr celebrations, has also prompted a wider investigation into the key figures believed to be orchestrating illegal mining operations in the region.
Mr Bawa Shehu Kaltungo, the EFCC Zonal Director responsible for Niger and Kaduna States, revealed the development during a courtesy visit to the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), led by Comrade Abu Nmodu. According to Kaltungo, 33 of the suspects were apprehended from various unauthorised mining sites within Niger State.
“We have identified those big guns behind the illegal mining; they said they went outside the country. We have contacted them to report to our office when they arrive the country,” Kaltungo stated during his address.
In a separate operation carried out recently, EFCC operatives raided a hotel in Minna and arrested 11 young individuals suspected of engaging in cybercrime. Kaltungo expressed concern over the rise of internet fraud in the region, warning that Niger State is becoming a “haven for cyber-crime.”
He added, “We will not allow this continue,” stressing that if the surge in cybercrime remains unchecked, it could jeopardise the future of Nigeria, as the youths involved are expected to become the nation’s future leaders.
Kaltungo appealed for media collaboration in tackling both cybercrime and illegal mining, asserting that, “the media should own the fight.”
In response, Comrade Abu Nmodu pledged the full support of journalists in the fight against cybercrime, describing it as a menace that continues to tarnish Nigeria’s image on the global stage.
