In a dramatic crackdown on illegal mining operations, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested four Chinese nationals and 27 Nigerians in Jos, Plateau State, sparking outrage over alleged foreign exploitation of the country’s natural resources.
The arrests, confirmed by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, took place at Jiasheng Nigeria Limited on Dura Rayfield, Mangu Road, Jos following intelligence reports linking the company to illegal mining activities.
During the raid, authorities seized a truck loaded with eight massive bags of processed monazite each weighing 1,000kg and valued at N4 million raising serious questions about the scale of illicit mineral extraction taking place under the radar.
The involvement of Chinese nationals has fueled growing concerns over foreign entities allegedly plundering Nigeria’s resources with critics calling for tougher measures against international corporations engaging in illegal activities.
The EFCC has vowed to continue its investigation and prosecute those involved, but many are already demanding answers: How deep does this illegal mining network go, and who is really benefiting from Nigeria’s stolen wealth?
