The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian over alleged illegal lithium processing activities at four facilities in Ogun State.
The anti-graft agency disclosed the arrests on Monday, October 26, 2026, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and unauthorised mineral processing across the country.
According to the commission, the suspects were apprehended on Friday, October 23, following intelligence gathering and surveillance operations targeting suspected illegal lithium processing activities in the Ogere area of the state.
The EFCC said the operation was conducted by personnel attached to its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2, who raided four facilities where the suspects were allegedly processing lithium without authorisation.
The commission disclosed that investigators recovered several bags containing lithium-bearing rocks, alongside electronic devices and a trailer truck during the operation.
“Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested 14 Chinese and one Nigerian at four illegal lithium processing plants in the Ogere area of Ogun State,” the commission stated.
Other items recovered during the raid included 18 mobile phones, four laptops, two decoders and a television remote control.
The arrests followed intelligence gathering and surveillance operations targeting suspected illegal lithium processing activities in the area.
The commission added that investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be prosecuted once the necessary inquiries had been completed.
The latest arrests come amid sustained efforts by the Federal Government to tackle unauthorised mining operations, including identifying individuals and financiers responsible for illegal mineral extraction.
Lithium has become particularly important because of its use in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, renewable energy storage systems and electronic devices.
According to a June 2026 report by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), global lithium demand is projected to increase by 353% between 2024 and 2040, while graphite demand is expected to rise by 131%.
