Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna Zonal Directorate, have arrested 31 suspected illegal miners in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.
The arrest was conducted following credible intelligence linking the suspects to  illegal mining activities in the state, according to EFCC.
The anti-graft agency stated that the operation was carried out at the premises of Jiasheng Nigeria Limited, located at Dura Rayfield, Mangu Road, Jos.
The EFCC disclosed that the arrested individuals comprised four Chinese nationals and 27 Nigerians, some of whom were suppliers found in possession of unprocessed solid minerals suspected to have been illegally mined.
The Chinese nationals apprehended were identified 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, and Saidu Mohammed.
Others arrested are; 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 said that its operatives recovered several items, including a truck loaded with eight bags of processed monazite, each weighing 1000kg and valued at approximately N4 million per bag.
The EFCC stated that investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as the probe was concluded.
The commission reiterated its commitment to tackling illegal mining and other economic crimes in Nigeria, emphasising the need for strict adherence to the country’s mining laws.
The arrest underscores the federal government’s intensified crackdown on illegal mining, which has been a significant challenge in Nigeria, particularly in mineral-rich states like Plateau.
Authorities have consistently warned against unauthorized mining activities, highlighting their detrimental effects on the nation’s economy and environment.
The EFCC urged members of the public to report any suspicious activities related to illegal mining and financial crimes, assuring them of prompt action to uphold the rule of law and protect the country’s natural resources.