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Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, have arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian at four illegal lithium processing plants in the Ogere area of Ogun State.
The suspects were apprehended on Friday, October 23, 2026, following credible intelligence and surveillance by the anti-graft agency. During the operation, EFCC operatives recovered several items, including bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control, and a trailer truck.
The commission disclosed that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations into the case.
The arrests signal EFCC’s expanding focus on illegal mining and mineral processing
Foreign nationals’ involvement raises questions about oversight of lithium extraction
The recovered equipment suggests a coordinated, well-resourced operation
Illegal lithium processing deprives the state of revenue and environmental safeguards
The case tests whether Nigeria can regulate its growing critical minerals sector
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