Following the recent arrests of multiple Chinese nationals linked to Illegal Mining and cybercrime, the Chinese government has opened talks with Nigerian authorities. This development has garnered a lot of attention as Nigerian Law Enforcement Agencies intensify their efforts to curb illicit activities that jeopardize the country’s economic stability. The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria confirmed ongoing discussions with key law enforcement organizations, such as the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to ensure due process is followed in the ongoing investigations.
Reiterating its commitment to fighting Cybercrime and other criminal activity, the embassy has made it clear that it does not condone any illegal behavior by its nationals overseas. It further advised all Chinese nationals living in Nigeria to adhere scrupulously to the laws and regulations of the nation to avoid facing legal repercussions. The arrests come as Nigeria steps up its crackdown on illegal Mining and cyber-related offenses, both of which have serious Security and economic ramifications. Cybercrime has continued to be a serious problem, with fraudulent operations associated with monetary losses and reputational damage to both individuals and businesses.
Increased arrests of Chinese nationals highlight enforcement gaps.
Illegal mining, on the other hand, has also been a recurring issue that has resulted in both environmental damage and Revenue losses for the government. Nigerian authorities have repeatedly warned of unauthorized mining operations, especially those carried out by foreigners without the required permit. China and Nigeria have long maintained strong economic and diplomatic ties, with Chinese companies playing a vital role in Nigeria’s Infrastructure and Trade sectors. However, the rising trend of Chinese national arrests over illicit activities has placed a spotlight on the necessity of increased oversight and adherence to Nigerian regulations.
Both governments have expressed their commitment to enforcing justice and bolstering mechanisms to prevent similar situations in the future while investigations continue. The outcome of these talks and court cases will likely impact extensive diplomatic and commercial interactions between the two countries. The frequency of arrests involving Chinese nationals in Nigeria has been increasing, particularly in cyber-related offenses and illegal mining operations. On February 6, 2025, 9 Chinese nationals, charged with internet fraud, were arraigned before Justice C.J. Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.
EFCC crackdown deepens with a series of Chinese arrests.
Just days earlier, on February 3, 2025, the same EFCC office arraigned 29 Chinese, 10 Filipinos, one Malaysian, one Indonesian, and one Pakistani before different Federal High Courts in Lagos for alleged cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. Similarly, on January 31, 2025, the EFCC arraigned 11 Chinese nationals and one Filipino in Lagos on charges of internet fraud. This followed another operation on January 9, 2025, in which the EFCC arrested four Chinese nationals and 101 Nigerians in Abuja for suspected internet fraud.
With several arrests of Chinese nationals engaged in illegal Mineral extraction, illegal mining continues to be a major concern. 2 Chinese nationals and a corporation were charged with illicit mining activities by the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Command on April 22, 2024. The EFCC detained two Chinese brothers and two others in November 2024 for unlawfully dealing in solid minerals. Also, 5 Chinese nationals were detained for illicit mining in Uyo on September 10, 2024. Five Chinese nationals were also detained by the EFCC on August 29, 2024, in Akwa Ibom State for illegal mining activities.
Related Article: Chinese nationals arrested for illegal mining
This rising case dates back even further. On July 12, 2023, 13 Chinese nationals were detained by the EFCC in Kwara State on suspicion of engaging in illicit mining activities. A major legal milestone was attained on March 31, 2023, when the Sokoto Division of the Court of Appeal convicted two Chinese nationals, sentencing them to six years in jail for illegal mining charges. The pattern of arrests shows a concerning increase in organized cyber Fraud schemes involving foreign nationals and suggests the need for stronger oversight and regulatory measures to guarantee that foreign businesses operate within the law.