Operatives from the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have taken into custody eleven individuals suspected of engaging in unlicensed mining activities in Akwa Ibom State.
The arrests took place during the week within the Emem-Asuk community, situated in the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
The group comprises seven Chinese nationals and four Nigerians.
The Chinese suspects 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).
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Their Nigerian alleged accomplices are David Israel (18), Jonah Bartholomew Jim (24), Samuel Samuel Timothy (20), and Comfort Gabriel Ajaga (23), who was acting as a translator.
Investigations revealed that the suspects were actively operating two unauthorised mining locations within the Eastern Obolo Local Government Area.
They were apprehended while in the process of setting up equipment at a second site, having already commenced illegal extraction of ilmenite, commonly referred to as ‘black sand,’ at their initial mining base.
During preliminary questioning, the sole female suspect, Ajaga, stated that her involvement was limited to her linguistic skills.
She claimed to be a student specialising in the Chinese language at a learning institution in Anambra State and was merely serving as a translator for the group.
The EFCC indicated that all apprehended individuals will face charges in court upon the conclusion of their ongoing investigation.
