A major crackdown on illegal mining in Nigeria has led to the arrest of 31 suspects in Jos, Plateau State. Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, stormed the premises of Jiasheng Nigeria Limited at Dura Rayfield, Mangu Road, Jos, on Saturday, March 8, 2025, following credible intelligence linking the company to illegal mining activities. Among those arrested are four Chinese nationals and 27 Nigerians, some of whom were found in possession of unprocessed solid minerals suspected to have been illegally mined.
The suspects were apprehended in an operation spearheaded by the EFCC’s Kaduna Zonal Directorate. Upon their arrest, investigators recovered a truck loaded with eight bags of processed monazite, weighing 1,000 kilograms, with each bag valued at approximately N4 million. The discovery highlights the scale of illegal mineral extraction that has plagued Nigeria’s mining sector, leading to significant revenue losses and environmental destruction.
Authorities have identified the foreign nationals as Liang Qinyong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong. The Nigerian suspects include Akilu Akonimi, Umar Mohammed, Aaron Davo, Auwal Abdullahi, Haruna Umar, Prosper Goddey, Alex Long, Mathew Onmaza, Oupe Anzaku, Samson Luka, John Nwang, Saidu Mohammed, and several others. These individuals are believed to be part of a larger network of illegal miners who operate in various locations across the country, exploiting valuable mineral resources without proper authorization.
The Nigerian government has long struggled with illegal mining activities, which have resulted in severe economic and environmental consequences. Reports estimate that the country loses over $9 billion annually due to the smuggling of solid minerals, depriving the nation of critical revenue needed for development. The situation has been further exacerbated by the involvement of foreign companies and individuals who extract and export minerals without adhering to regulatory frameworks.
Illegal mining is not only an economic crime but also an environmental disaster. Communities in Plateau State and other mining regions have suffered from deforestation, land degradation, and contamination of water sources due to unregulated mining practices. Many of these areas, once fertile and productive, have been transformed into wastelands, making it difficult for local farmers to sustain their livelihoods. Residents often complain about the negative impact of mining on their health and well-being, as chemicals used in mineral processing seep into the soil and water systems.
The EFCC’s recent crackdown signals a renewed commitment by the Nigerian government to address this crisis. In recent years, authorities have implemented several measures to curb illegal mining, including the establishment of task forces, increased monitoring, and stricter penalties for offenders. However, despite these efforts, illegal mining continues to thrive due to corruption, weak enforcement, and the complicity of local actors who benefit from the trade.
With this latest arrest, legal proceedings will soon follow. The EFCC has assured the public that all individuals involved in this illegal operation will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Investigators are currently working to uncover the full scope of the operation and identify additional parties that may have played a role in facilitating the illegal extraction and transportation of minerals. The agency has also called on Nigerians to report any suspicious mining activities in their communities to help combat the illegal exploitation of the nation’s resources.
This development has once again ignited discussions about the need for comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s mining sector. Industry experts argue that the government must do more to regulate mining operations, ensure transparency, and create a system where local communities benefit from the wealth generated by natural resources. Strengthening the mining industry’s legal framework and investing in modern technology to track mineral extraction and exportation could go a long way in preventing further economic losses.
Nigeria is one of Africa’s most resource-rich nations, with vast deposits of gold, tin, limestone, and other valuable minerals. However, poor regulation and illegal activities have prevented the country from fully harnessing these resources for national development. The recent arrests in Jos serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the sector and the urgent need for decisive action. While the EFCC’s intervention is commendable, sustainable solutions must be implemented to ensure that illegal miners no longer exploit Nigeria’s wealth at the expense of its people and economy.
The case is expected to set a precedent for future enforcement actions against illegal mining. As authorities continue their investigations, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether this marks a turning point in the country’s fight against mineral smuggling or if the cycle of illegal extraction and economic sabotage will persist. The outcome of this case will determine whether Nigeria can successfully reclaim control over its mineral resources or if illegal actors will continue to operate with impunity.
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