EFCC Uncovers Four Suspected Illegal Lithium Plants in Ogun, Arrests 15

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has uncovered four suspected illegal lithium-processing facilities in Ogere, Ogun State, arresting 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian in an operation targeting unauthorised activities in the solid minerals sector.

The suspects were arrested on Friday, October 23, 2026, by operatives of the commission’s Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 following intelligence gathering and surveillance.

The operation highlights growing concerns about regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s mineral-processing industry, particularly as lithium attracts increasing attention because of its use in rechargeable batteries, electric vehicles and electronic devices.

The EFCC said its operatives recovered bags of lithium-bearing rocks, 18 mobile phones, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck during the operation.

However, the commission has not disclosed the identities of the suspects, the quantity of lithium recovered or the ownership structure of the four facilities. Details of the specific licensing or regulatory violations are also yet to be made public.

The arrests come as Nigeria seeks to develop its solid minerals industry and attract investment into mineral exploration and domestic processing. Lithium has become particularly significant because of rising global demand for battery materials and energy-storage technologies.

Authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about illegal mining and mineral trading, warning that unauthorised operations can undermine regulatory oversight and deprive the government of legitimate revenue.

The EFCC said investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged in court after the process had been concluded.

The case is expected to bring renewed attention to the enforcement of mining regulations, the monitoring of mineral-processing facilities and the need to ensure that companies operating in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector comply with applicable laws.

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