EFCC Busts Four Illegal Lithium Processing Plants in Ogun, Arrests 14 Chinese Nationals, One Nigerian
By Shalom Oludele
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has uncovered and dismantled four illegal lithium processing plants operating in Ogere, Ogun State.
Operatives of the Commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 arrested 15 suspects during the operation – comprising 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian.
The EFCC disclosed the development in a statement posted on its verified X handle on Sunday, stating that the raid was carried out on Friday, October 23, 2026, following credible intelligence and sustained surveillance.
According to the anti-graft agency, items recovered from the illegal sites include large quantities of lithium rocks packaged in bags, 18 mobile phones, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck believed to be used for evacuation of the minerals.
The Commission said investigations are ongoing and the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Lithium, a critical solid mineral, is in high global demand for the production of rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, mobile phones and other electronic devices. Nigeria has large deposits of the mineral in Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara and Ogun States, but illegal mining and processing have remained a major challenge.
Ebony Herald reports that the EFCC has in recent months intensified its crackdown on illegal mining operations and economic sabotage across the country.
