Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian over alleged involvement in the operation of four illegal lithium processing plants in Ogere, Ogun State.

The suspects were arrested on Friday, October 23, 2026, by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC following what the commission described as credible intelligence and surveillance.

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The anti-graft agency disclosed the arrests on Monday through a post on its official X handle, stating that its operatives had raided the facilities after uncovering their activities.

According to the commission, several items were recovered during the operation, including bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four computer laptops, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck.

The EFCC said the suspects were taken into custody for further investigation into the alleged illegal activities connected with the lithium processing plants.

“The suspects will be charged in court upon conclusion of investigations,” the commission stated.

Lithium has become increasingly important to Nigeria’s mining sector because of its use in batteries, electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

The discovery and processing of the mineral have also attracted growing local and foreign interest in the country’s solid minerals industry.

However, the operation in Ogun highlights concerns over unregulated mining and mineral processing activities, particularly where operators allegedly work outside the framework of relevant government approvals.

The latest arrests come amid continued efforts by Nigerian authorities to clamp down on illegal activities in the mining and extractive sectors.

Ogun State has also featured in other major enforcement operations in recent months.

In May, authorities uncovered a Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine syndicate allegedly operating from a concealed forest laboratory in the state.

Three Mexican chemists and several Nigerian suspects were arrested during coordinated raids in Ogun and Lagos.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency described that operation as the largest clandestine methamphetamine seizure in Nigeria’s history.

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For the 15 suspects arrested in the latest Ogun lithium operation, the EFCC said investigations would continue before they are brought before the court.