EFCC Arrests 14 Foreign Nationals Over Illegal Lithium Processing in Ogun ‎

Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has arrested 14 foreign nationals and one Nigerian on suspicion of processing lithium without authorization at four facilities in Ogun State, in the country's southwest, according to reports by Daily Post Nigeria and TVC News.

The agency said its officers raided the facilities in Ogere after gathering intelligence and conducting surveillance. They recovered bags of lithium-bearing rocks, electronic devices and a trailer truck. The EFCC said investigations are continuing and that the suspects will be prosecuted if sufficient evidence is found.

Lithium is a key component of rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, mobile phones and energy storage, which makes it an increasingly valuable mineral. The arrests come as Nigeria steps up efforts to tackle illegal mining while expanding its own mineral processing industry.

The case raises questions about who was buying the processed material and where it was headed. It also tests how well Nigeria can police its mining sector as global demand for battery minerals grows. Its aim of capturing more value at home depends on keeping processing within a licensed, regulated system.

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical/Science communicator, Private Investigator, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,United States Institute of Peace (USIP), [email protected] +233555275880

Sources
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), statement on the Ogere raids.

Daily Post Nigeria, report on the arrests.

TVC News, report on the arrests.
DW Africa (#DWAfrica), summary of the reports.