EFCC Crackdown On Illegal Mining In Niger State Arrest 5 Chinese Nationals.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has made a significant stride in its fight against illegal mining, arresting five Chinese nationals and four Nigerians in Kaniyan Village, Mokwa Local Government Area, Niger State. The operation, conducted by the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate, underscores the agency’s commitment to tackling economic sabotage and environmental degradation caused by unauthorised mining activities across Nigeria.
The suspects, identified as Wu Ping, Xu XianLiang, Xu Aimin, Xue Cihuo, and Liu Changhua, alongside Nigerians Ibrahim Abdullahi, Sunday Oladele, Destiny John, and Bulus Samuel, were apprehended following actionable intelligence about their illicit operations. The EFCC’s sting operation uncovered a substantial cache of industrial equipment, including multiple power generating sets such as Stamford, Inlong, Taiyo, Senwei SP6800, Laison 40000x, JMC, Yuchai, and Kaishan KSCY-33018 models, as well as three industrial crushing machines and three smaller versions. These tools were allegedly used to extract minerals without proper permits, a practice that deprives the government of royalties and harms local ecosystems.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects are in custody and will face court proceedings once investigations are complete. “This operation reflects our unwavering resolve to protect Nigeria’s natural resources and curb activities that undermine our economy,” Oyewale said. The seized equipment, now under EFCC control, is expected to serve as evidence in the upcoming legal proceedings.
This latest action builds on the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining, which has surged in mineral-rich states like Niger, Kwara, and Akwa Ibom. In recent years, the agency has intensified its operations, with notable arrests of foreign nationals and Nigerians involved in similar offences. For instance, in September 2024, five Chinese nationals were detained in Akwa Ibom for extracting ilmenite without authorisation, and in May 2025, eight individuals, including two Chinese nationals, were arrested in Ogun State for illegal lithium mining. These efforts highlight the scale of the challenge and the EFCC’s determination to address it.
The public has largely welcomed the arrests, with many Nigerians expressing hope that such actions will deter further exploitation of the country’s resources. “It’s heartening to see the EFCC taking decisive steps,” said Amina Sule, an environmental activist in Abuja. “Illegal mining not only robs our economy but also destroys our land and water sources. This is a step in the right direction.”
The Federal Government has also reiterated its support for the EFCC’s initiatives, emphasizing the need to safeguard Nigeria’s mineral wealth for sustainable development. With the suspects set to face justice, this operation sends a strong message to would-be offenders that illegal mining will not be tolerated, offering a glimmer of hope for stronger enforcement and accountability in Nigeria’s extractive sector.
