EFCC Nabs Seven Chinese Nationals and Four Others For Illegal Mining Ring in Akwa Ibom
In a bold move to combat environmental degradation and illegal resource exploitation, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismantled an illegal mining operation in the coastal region of Akwa Ibom State, arresting eleven suspects, including seven Chinese nationals and four Nigerian citizens, for unauthorized mining activities.
The high-stakes operation was carried out by operatives from the EFCC Uyo Zonal Directorate on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in the remote Emem-Asuk community, located in the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
The raid uncovered a well-organized, cross-border mining syndicate operating without licenses or regulatory approvals.
The foreign nationals apprehended have been identified as: Yang Chaobao, 32; Zhong Dun Yi, 33; Cheng Jiang, 35; Zhong Dun Long, 37; Pan Peiming, 33; Lai Yiping, 37; and Zhu Lekun, 35
All seven are believed to be part of a coordinated foreign-led mining network exploiting Nigeria’s mineral-rich coastline.
The Nigerian nationals arrested alongside them are: David Israel, 18; Jonah Bartholomew Jim, 24; Samuel Samuel Timothy, 20; Comfort Gabriel Ajaga, 23, the only female suspect, who claims she was hired solely as a translator.
Illegal Mining of Ilmenite (‘Black Sand’) Uncovered
According to EFCC sources, the suspects were operating two illegal mining sites in Eastern Obolo. While they were caught in the act of setting up equipment at a second site, authorities confirmed that active mining had already been ongoing at the first location, where they were extracting ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral commonly referred to locally as “black sand.
Ilmenite is a high-value mineral used in the production of titanium dioxide, a critical component in paints, plastics, and cosmetics. Its unregulated extraction not only violates Nigeria’s mining laws but also poses severe environmental risks, including coastal erosion and destruction of aquatic ecosystems.
The EFCC raid yielded significant findings, including heavy-duty mining machinery, excavation tools, and processed mineral samples. The equipment suggests a well-funded, industrial-scale operation rather than small-scale artisanal mining.
During interrogation, Comfort Gabriel Ajaga, a language student from Anambra State studying Chinese at a private learning center, maintained her innocence.
“I’m just a student. I only translated for them. I didn’t participate in the mining,” she stated.
Authorities are currently verifying her claims, though her presence at the site raises questions about the recruitment of local intermediaries in foreign-led illicit ventures.
In an official statement, the EFCC confirmed that the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing intensive questioning.
“These individuals were engaged in illegal mining activities without the requisite permits from the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) or the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. This is a serious violation of Nigeria’s environmental and economic laws,” the commission stated.
The agency emphasized that the suspects will be charged in court as soon as investigations conclude, with potential charges including illegal mining, environmental sabotage, and conspiracy under the Mineral and Mining Act and related financial crimes statutes.
This arrest highlights a growing concern: the increasing involvement of foreign nationals in the unauthorized extraction of Nigeria’s solid minerals, particularly along the Niger Delta coastline. Environmental experts warn that unchecked illegal mining could lead to long-term ecological damage, loss of revenue, and community displacement.
The EFCC has called on local communities to report suspicious activities and pledged to intensify surveillance in mineral-rich zones across the South-South and South-East regions.
What’s Next?
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are probing possible money laundering links, smuggling routes, and domestic collaborators who may have facilitated the operation. Intelligence sources suggest the minerals may have been destined for export via informal channels.
This case marks one of the most significant interdictions of illegal mining operations in Akwa Ibom State in recent years and underscores the EFCC’s expanding mandate beyond financial fraud to include eco-crime and natural resource protection.