The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says its operatives in Uyo have arrested 11 individuals, including seven Chinese nationals and four Nigerians, for allegedly engaging in illegal mining operations in Akwa Ibom State.

In a short post on X, the EFCC said the suspects were apprehended on Thursday, July 24, during a raid at Emem-Asuk community in Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.

According to the EFCC, the group was operating two unlicensed mining sites and was actively setting up equipment at a second location at the time of the arrest.

Those arrested include Chinese nationals 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 named Comfort Gabriel Ajaga, 23.

The anti-graft agency also reported that the group had already commenced mining activities at one of the sites, extracting ilmenite—commonly referred to locally as “black sand”—a valuable mineral used in the production of both titanium metal and titanium dioxide.

Ajaga, the only woman among the suspects, claimed her only connection to the illegal miners was her proficiency in speaking Mandarin, a widely spoken language in China, the EFCC stated in the release.

“I am a student, and I am studying the Chinese language at a learning centre in Anambra State, and I only work with them as a translator,” she said.

The anti-graft agency added that the suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of the investigation. (The Guardian)