EFCC Cracks Down on Illegal Mining in Jos, Arrests 31 Suspects, Including Four Chinese Nationals

In a major crackdown on illegal mining, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 31 individuals, including four Chinese nationals, in Jos, Plateau State.

According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on Tuesday, the operation took place at Jiasheng Nigeria Limited, located at Dura Rayfield, Mangu Road, Jos, following credible intelligence linking the company to illegal mining activities.

Among those apprehended are 27 Nigerians, some of whom were caught with unprocessed solid minerals suspected to have been illegally mined. Authorities also seized a truck loaded with eight bags of processed monazite, weighing 1,000 kg, with an estimated market value of ₦4 million per bag.

The EFCC confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of the probe.

This development underscores the government’s intensified efforts to curb illegal mining, which has been a growing concern in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.