EFCC Smashes Illegal Lithium Factories in Ogun, Nabs 14 Chinese and One Nigerian

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have dealt a significant blow to illegal solid minerals processing in Ogun State, shutting down four unauthorised lithium plants and arresting 15 suspects in a coordinated raid.

According to a statement released by the Commission on Monday, operatives of its Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 stormed the facilities in the Ogere area of the state on Friday, October 23, 2026. The operation followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance of the sites.

Fourteen Chinese nationals and one Nigerian were arrested at the plants. Items recovered included bags of lithium rocks, 18 mobile devices, four computer laptops, two decoders, a television remote control, and a trailer truck.

The suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court once investigations are concluded, the EFCC said.

The raid marks another strike against illegal lithium activities in Ogun, an area that has repeatedly featured in previous EFCC operations targeting unlicensed mining and processing of the strategic mineral. Lithium, widely called “white gold” for its critical role in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy storage, and electronics, has drawn intense global demand.

Nigeria has been expanding legitimate processing capacity, including the commissioning of major plants, while authorities continue to crack down on operations that bypass licensing, royalties, and environmental regulations.

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Illegal mining and processing deprive the government of revenue, degrade the environment, and often involve foreign nationals operating outside the law. Past cases in Ogun and other states have led to arrests, asset forfeitures, and convictions involving Chinese and Nigerian suspects linked to lithium and related minerals such as mica.

The latest operation underscores the EFCC’s ongoing focus on economic sabotage in the solid minerals sector. Further details on the identities of the suspects and the scale of the lithium recovered are expected as investigations progress.