The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian over alleged illegal lithium processing activities at four plants in Ogere, Ogun State.

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

The EFCC announced the arrests on Monday, October 26, saying its operatives raided the four facilities suspected of engaging in unauthorised lithium processing.

Items recovered during the operation included bags of lithium-bearing rocks, 18 mobile phones, four laptop computers, two decoders, a television remote control and a trailer truck.

The commission said investigations were ongoing and that the suspects would be charged in court after their conclusion.

The EFCC did not disclose the identities of the suspects or provide further details about the ownership of the facilities and the specific regulatory requirements allegedly breached.

Lithium is an important mineral used in the production of rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, mobile phones and energy storage systems.

The arrests come amid growing attention to Nigeria’s solid minerals sector, as authorities seek to tackle illegal mining and unauthorised mineral processing while strengthening oversight of the country’s natural resources.

The EFCC has yet to announce the outcome of its investigation into the activities of the four facilities in Ogere.