The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 31 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities in Jos, Plateau State.
The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the EFCC carried out the operation on Saturday, March 8, 2025, following credible intelligence linking Jiasheng Nigeria Limited, located at Dura Rayfield, along Mangu Road, Jos, to illegal mining operations.
The arrested suspects include four Chinese nationals—Liang Qinyong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong—as well as 27 Nigerians, including Akilu Akonimi, Umar Mohammed, Aaron Davo, Auwal Abdullahi, Haruna Umar, Prosper Goddey, Alex Long, Mathew Onmaza, Oupe Anzaku, Samson Luka, John Nwang, and Saidu Mohammed.
During the raid, EFCC operatives recovered a truck loaded with eight 1,000kg bags of processed monazite, a rare earth mineral used in high-tech industries. Each bag is valued at approximately N4 million.
"The arrested individuals were found within the premises of Jiasheng Nigeria Limited in possession of unprocessed solid minerals, suspected to have been illegally mined," the EFCC stated.
The anti-graft agency reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal mining and warned that it would continue to clamp down on operations violating Nigeria’s mining laws.
The EFCC has assured that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Illegal mining remains a major challenge to Nigeria’s economy, especially in resource-rich states like Plateau, Zamfara, and Osun. The EFCC urged all stakeholders in the mining sector to adhere to government regulations and support efforts to sanitize the industry.
