The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 15 people, comprising 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian, over alleged illegal lithium processing activities at four plants in the Ogere area of Ogun State.

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

The anti-graft agency disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday and shared on its official social media platform.

According to the EFCC, its operatives recovered bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck during the operation.

The commission said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

The EFCC did not disclose the identities of those arrested or the quantity of lithium recovered from the facilities.

The latest arrests come amid increased enforcement against alleged illegal mining and unauthorised mineral-processing activities in Nigeria.

Lithium is an important mineral used in the production of rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices.

Nigeria has been seeking to expand its solid minerals sector and encourage local processing of mineral resources as part of efforts to diversify the economy beyond crude oil.

The EFCC has not disclosed further details about the ownership of the four facilities or the specific regulatory requirements allegedly violated by the operators.