The Uyo zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested seven Chinese nationals and four Nigerians for allegedly mining ilmenite illegally in Eastern Obolo, Akwa Ibom State, without proper licenses.
The mineral, also known as black sand, is a black, opaque mineral composed of iron and titanium oxides (FeTiO₃).
Typically found in beach sands, ilmenite serves as a primary source of titanium dioxide (TiO₂); a key pigment used globally.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that the arrests occurred on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Emem‑Asuk community, Eastern Obolo LGA.
The seven Chinese suspects are:
- Yang Chaobao, 32
- Zhong Dun Yi, 33
- Cheng Jiang, 35
- Zhong Dun Long, 37
- Pan Peiming, 33
- Lai Yiping, 37
- Zhu Lekun, 35
Their four Nigerian accomplices are:
- David Israel, 18
- Jonah Bartholomew Jim, 24
- Samuel Samuel Timothy, 20
- Comfort Gabriel Ajaga, 23
Oyewale explained that the suspects were operating two separate illegal mining sites in the area. “Whilst setting up mining equipment at a second location, they were already engaged in illegal mining activities at their first location where they were mining ilmenite locally,” he said.
All the eleven individuals arrested are aged below 40 years; with only one female.
During questioning, she said she was involved due to her proficiency in Mandarin, not the mining itself:
“I am a student, and I am studying Chinese language at a Learning Centre in Anambra State and I only work with them as a translator,” explained Comfort.
This is not the first time Chinese nationals have been nabbed for illegally mining high-demand minerals in Akwa Ibom.
However, the EFCC official stated that all suspects will be charged to court once investigations are complete.