Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested five Chinese nationals on suspicion of engaging in illegal mining activities at Ndito-Eka-Iba village, located in Ibiono Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The arrests were carried out by the EFCC’s “Special Task Force on Illegal Mining” following credible intelligence reports about the operations of foreign mining companies within Eket and Ibiono Local Government Areas. The news was confirmed in a statement released today on the EFCC’s official X account.
The arrested Chinese nationals include Zhon Qinping, who was taken into custody on September 10, 2024, in Ibiono LGA. The others, Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou, and Chen Zeng, were apprehended earlier on August 29, 2024, at the same illegal mining site.
The suspects were allegedly mining a substance believed to be ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral. According to the EFCC, the suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded.
The EFCC remains committed to clamping down on illegal mining operations and ensuring that both local and foreign perpetrators are brought to justice.
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