EFCC arrests 14 Chinese nationals in Nigeria for operating illegal lithium processing plants

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian for illegally operating four lithium processing plants in Ogun.

In a statement on Monday, the anti-graft agency said three suspects were arrested on Friday during an intelligence-led operation targeting unapproved lithium processing plants in Ogere.

“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 suspects were arrested on Friday, October 23, 2026, following credible intelligence and surveillance,” the anti-graft agency said.

The EFCC noted that bags containing lithium rocks, mobile phones, laptops, decoders and a trailer were found in the possession of the suspects during the raid in their hideout. Upon their arrest, bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four computer laptops, two decoders, a television remote control, and a trailer truck were recovered from the suspects,” EFCC said.

It added that the suspects would be prosecuted as soon as investigations into the case are completed.