The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 31 suspects, including four Chinese nationals and 27 Nigerians, in a major crackdown on illegal mining in Jos, Plateau State.
The arrests were made on Saturday, March 8, 2025, following a raid on Jiasheng Nigeria Limited, a mining company located at Dura Rayfield, Mangu Road, Jos. The EFCC said the operation was based on credible intelligence linking the company to illegal mining activities in the state.
Among those apprehended were Chinese nationals Liang Qinyong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong, alongside Nigerian suspects including Akilu Akonimi, Umar Mohammed, Aaron Davo, Auwal Abdullahi, Haruna Umar, Prosper Goddey, and others.
During the raid, the EFCC seized a truck loaded with eight bags of processed monazite, a mineral used in industrial applications. Each bag weighed 1,000kg and was valued at approximately ₦4 million.
The anti-graft agency reaffirmed its commitment to combat illegal mining and economic sabotage, warning that all suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
Illegal mining has remained a persistent issue in mineral-rich states like Plateau, Zamfara, and Osun, contributing to environmental damage, loss of government revenue, and security threats.
The EFCC urged stakeholders in the mining sector to adhere to regulatory guidelines, vowing to intensify its crackdown on illicit mining operations nationwide.
