RismadarVoice Reporters
October 26, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 15 suspects, comprising 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, over alleged illegal lithium processing activities at four facilities in Ogere, Ogun State.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation conducted by operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 on Friday, October 23, 2026.
In a statement issued on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed that the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence and surveillance linking them to suspected unauthorised mineral processing activities.
According to the commission, its operatives raided four lithium processing facilities in the Ogere area, arresting individuals suspected of participating in unlawful operations.
Items recovered during the exercise included bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck.
The commission said the recovered materials would form part of its ongoing investigation into the suspected activities.
Oyewale confirmed that the suspects would be charged before a competent court upon the conclusion of investigations.
However, the EFCC did not immediately disclose the identities of those arrested, the ownership of the facilities or the specific mining regulations allegedly violated.
The latest operation highlights continuing efforts by Nigerian authorities to address suspected illegal mining and mineral processing activities, particularly involving lithium, an increasingly important resource for rechargeable batteries, electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
In May 2025, EFCC operatives arrested two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians during a separate operation targeting alleged illegal mining activities in Ogun State.
That investigation subsequently resulted in court proceedings involving suspected unlawfully mined minerals, vehicles and other assets.
In May 2026, a Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the final forfeiture of certain assets recovered during the earlier investigation.
The latest arrests come amid continuing concerns about illegal exploitation of Nigeria’s solid mineral resources, including the potential loss of government revenue and inadequate regulatory oversight.
The EFCC has maintained that investigations into the October 23 operation remain ongoing, with prosecution expected after investigators complete their findings.
The allegations against the 15 suspects have not yet been established in court.
