EFCC Nabs 14 Chinese Nationals, One Nigerian In Raid On 4 Ogun Illegal Lithium Plants
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian for operating four illegal lithium processing plants in Ogere, Ogun State.
The Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the anti-graft agency executed the raid on Friday, October 23, 2026, following credible intelligence and surveillance.
The commission announced the development in a statement posted on the EFCC’s official Facebook page on Monday, October 26, 2026.
During the raid on the four unauthorized facilities, operatives confiscated a substantial cache of evidence. This included bags of raw lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four laptops, two decoders, a television remote control, and a heavy-duty trailer truck.
The anti-graft agency stated that the suspects remain in custody and will be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction as soon as investigations are concluded.
This enforcement action highlights growing federal scrutiny into unauthorized solid mineral extraction and processing across Nigeria. Lithium has recently become a prime target for illicit mining due to its global demand as a critical component in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and electronic devices.
