Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested two Chinese; Yang Chao, 39, and Xiao Jiang 38 for suspected illegal mining activities in Ogun State.

The illegal miners, according to a release on the Facebook page of the Commission were arrested at their mining sites at Ogunmakin and Ogere areas of Ogun State.

Acting on intelligence, the suspects were arrested, alongside one Chidi Joseph Osuji, 48, suspected to be an accomplice in the illegal business.

The Commission said preliminary investigation has reveals that Chao and Chidi are working as factory manager and machine operator respectively with Cruis Chemical Nigeria Limited located at Ogunmakin.

Jiang, according to the information, works with John Odiba Multibiz as an assistant manager in Ogere area of the State.

The suspects, the Commission alleged, operate as a cartel and allegedly specialise in illegal mining of minerals such as marble stone, white powder, lithium and lepidolite, among others.

They were also accused of transporting the mineral resources outside the country through illegitimate means for private gains.

"Investigations also linked the three suspects as owners of the solid minerals being conveyed by the 41 suspects arrested with truckloads of minerals at Share, Banni, Lade, Patigi and Okolowo in Kwara, and Igbeti and Ogbomosho in Oyo state by operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Command of the EFCC on February 5, 2024.

"They were arrested for engaging in mining activities without requisite licences."