Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Directorate, have arrested 31 individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities in Jos, Plateau State.

The arrests were made on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the premises of Jiasheng Nigeria Limited, located at Dura Rayfield, Mangu Road, Jos. According to the EFCC, credible intelligence linked the company to illegal mining operations in the state.

Among those apprehended were four Chinese nationals and 27 Nigerians, including suppliers allegedly found in possession of unprocessed solid minerals suspected to have been illegally mined.

The Chinese nationals arrested were identified as Liang Qinyong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong. The Nigerian suspects included 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.

Others taken into custody were Mohammed Musa, Abubakar Ibrahim, Mohammed Zaradeen, Yakubu Adidzi, Isah Dahiru, Yusuf Musa, Benjamin D. Dalop, Ibrahim Wakili, Adam Muhammed, Abubakar Ahmed Muazu, Murtala Abubakar, Peter Yakubu, Ibrahim Musa, Monday Christopher, and Billard Musa.

During the operation, EFCC operatives recovered a truck loaded with eight bags of processed monazite, a rare mineral, weighing approximately 1,000kg. Each bag is valued at N4 million.

The arrested suspects are expected to face further investigation and possible prosecution in connection with illegal mining activities in Plateau State.