The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Uyo Zonal Command has arrested five Chinese nationals for suspected illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State. According to a statement released by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the arrests were made by the commission’s Special Task Force following intelligence reports.
The suspects were apprehended at the mining site in Ndito-Eka-Iba village, Ibeno Local Government Area. They were allegedly extracting ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral. The EFCC spokesperson confirmed that the suspects would face charges in court once the investigation was concluded.
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 EFCC’s action is part of its efforts to curb illegal mining activities in Nigeria. The commission has vowed to prosecute anyone involved in such illicit activities.
The arrest of the Chinese Illegal miners is a significant development in the EFCC’s fight against illegal mining. The commission has been working tirelessly to identify and apprehend individuals and groups involved in illegal mining activities nationwide.
The EFCC’s efforts aim to protect Nigeria’s natural resources and ensure that mining activities follow the law. The commission’s actions are also intended to send a strong message to those involved in illegal mining that they will be caught and prosecuted.
The investigation into the alleged illegal mining activities is ongoing. The EFCC has promised to release more information as it becomes available. In the meantime, the commission has urged anyone with information about illegal mining activities to come forward.
The EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Command has been at the forefront of the fight against illegal mining in the region. The command has made several arrests and seizures in recent months and has vowed to continue its efforts to protect Nigeria’s natural resources.