The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested five Chinese nationals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities in Akwa Ibom State.

The arrests took place in Ndito-Eka-Iba village, located in Ibeno Local Government Area, according to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale. The suspects, identified as Zhon Qinping, Li Yi, Xie Bin, Chen Mou Zhou, and Chen Zeng, were apprehended by the Commission’s Special Task Force on August 29 and September 10.

The suspects were reportedly involved in the extraction of a mineral believed to be ilmenite, a titanium-iron oxide mineral, at an unauthorized mining site.

Oyewale stated that the arrests were made based on credible intelligence regarding illegal mining activities by foreign nationals in the Eket and Ibeno areas. He also confirmed that the suspects would face prosecution once investigations are completed, underscoring the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining in the region.