Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria – May 16, 2025
In a decisive move against illegal mining in Nigeria, the Federal High Court in Jos has ordered the deportation of four Chinese nationals involved in unauthorized mineral extraction. The convicts were also forced to forfeit N134.87 million in illegal proceeds to the Federal Government, highlighting Nigeria’s increased clampdown on foreign actors exploiting its natural resources.
Justice Dorcas V. Agishi, presiding over the case, handed down the verdict on May 15, 2025. The court’s ruling not only enforces a lifetime entry ban for the convicts but also signals a growing commitment by Nigerian authorities to combat mineral smuggling and protect its mining sector from external threats.
Crackdown on Foreign Illegal Miners in Nigeria
The convicted individuals—Liang Quin Yong, Wang Huajie, Zhong Jiajing, and Long Kechong—were found guilty of operating illegal mining sites in the Dura Rayfield area of Jos without proper licenses or governmental authorization. Court records show that Liang Quin Yong violated Section 1(8)(b) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, 1983, by purchasing minerals illegally on March 9, 2025.
The four men were sentenced to 20 years in prison, a punishment that is effectively being served through immediate deportation from Nigeria. In addition, they have been permanently blacklisted from re-entering Nigeria, ensuring they cannot resume illicit operations.
Liang Quin Yong was ordered to forfeit N134,874,769.01, representing the estimated value of illegally obtained mineral resources. This seizure aligns with Nigeria’s efforts to recover stolen wealth through asset forfeiture laws.
Public Applauds Anti-Illegal Mining Verdict
The court’s ruling has sparked widespread debate online. Shared by Nigeria Stories on X (formerly Twitter) at 09:22 UTC on May 16, the post quickly went viral. Many Nigerians praised the decision as a bold stand against illegal foreign mining operations.
> “Best news I’ve heard this year,” commented timmosion, criticizing the influence of foreign nationals who exploit rural communities. Others, including Theta__X and LaughNLearnX, called for stricter monitoring of mining activities and stronger mining laws in Nigeria.
However, some users expressed concern about transparency.
Visual Evidence: From Illegal Site to Courtroom
Accompanying images shared online show the four convicts flanked by armed security forces near what appears to be an unauthorized mining site. Makeshift structures, trucks, and raw materials underscore the scale of their illegal operation. Another photo features a gavel and law books, symbolizing the rule of law prevailing in the case.
Nigeria’s War Against Illegal Mining and Organized Crime
This latest case is part of a broader effort by Nigerian authorities to tackle unlicensed mining operations and environmental degradation caused by unchecked foreign influence. A 2024 report by ENACT Africa estimates Nigeria’s mineral wealth at over $700 billion, making the country a target for international mining syndicates.
Previous arrests of Chinese illegal miners in Zamfara and Akwa Ibom, as well as the 2023 shutdown of an unauthorized Chinese-run mining firm in Akwa Ibom, demonstrate that the Nigerian mining enforcement crackdown is gaining traction. Authorities say illegal mining operations often fund rural banditry, fuel armed conflict, and contribute to resource-based violence across northern states like Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina.
Smuggling routes through Niger and Togo reportedly funnel illegally mined minerals to markets in Dubai, further complicating the enforcement challenge.
Legal Consequences Under the Miscellaneous Offences Act
The convictions were grounded in Nigeria’s Miscellaneous Offences Act of 1983, which criminalizes unauthorized mineral extraction and imposes steep penalties, including life imprisonment and asset seizure. Section 1(8)(b) specifically outlaws the purchase of minerals without authorization, a clause central to this case.
The law also allows the government to seize assets derived from illegal mining, as demonstrated by the N134 million confiscated from Liang Quin Yong.
Experts Say More Must Be Done
Legal analysts and security experts view the ruling as a milestone in Nigerian environmental justice. Commentator Ibnbazo celebrated the outcome, stating, “Nigeria is rising.” Yet, others like Maurice Ogbonnaya, Senior Research Consultant at ENACT, warn that Nigeria must go further by disrupting transnational mining cartels and improving inter-agency collaboration.
“Enforcement must be sustained and intelligence-driven,” Ogbonnaya said, adding that Nigeria needs stronger mining regulations and partnerships with international crime-fighting agencies like INTERPOL.
Conclusion: A Victory With Long-Term Implications
The deportation of four Chinese nationals and the seizure of N134 million in illegal mining profits mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight to safeguard its natural mineral wealth. While this case reflects real progress, experts agree that long-term solutions lie in continuous policy reform, vigilant enforcement, and addressing the root causes of illegal mining in rural areas.
As Nigeria continues its battle against foreign exploitation of mineral resources, this ruling sends a loud message: the era of unchecked illegal mining by foreign nationals is coming to an end.
Good move.