Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian over alleged illegal lithium processing activities at four plants in Ogere, Ogun State.
The arrests were made by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the commission on Friday, October 23, 2026, following credible intelligence and surveillance operations.
According to a statement issued by the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Monday, the suspects were apprehended at the four illegal lithium processing plants located in the Ogere area of Ogun State.
Items recovered during the operation included bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile phones, four laptops, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck.
The commission did not disclose the identities of the suspects or provide further details about the ownership or operational structure of the processing plants.
The EFCC said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations into the alleged illegal activities are concluded.
The operation comes amid growing attention to Nigeria’s solid mineral sector, particularly the activities of operators involved in the exploration and processing of minerals across the country.
