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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, has announced the arrest of two Chinese nationals and six Nigerian citizens for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Ogere, Ogun State.
According to an official statement released by the EFCC, the arrests were made on Friday, May 9, 2025, during a carefully coordinated sting operation. The operation followed credible intelligence received by the Commission and was backed by extensive surveillance efforts.
The arrested individuals have been identified as Chinese nationals Zhang Hang Lin and Gao Pei Hai, alongside Nigerian suspects Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Ademola Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa, and Saidu Shuaibu.
During the operation, EFCC operatives recovered three trucks loaded with sacks of substances suspected to be ground lithium powder, as well as other unidentified solid minerals believed to have been illegally mined. In addition, the Commission seized a Toyota 4Runner SUV, several mobile phones, samples of low-grade lithium, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, the suspects’ international passports, four LED flashlights, and various documents linked to the illicit operations.
The EFCC noted that investigations are ongoing and confirmed that the suspects will be formally charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.
Illegal mining has been a persistent challenge in Nigeria, raising concerns over environmental degradation, loss of government revenue, and the exploitation of mineral resources by both local and foreign actors. Lithium, in particular, has become a highly sought-after mineral due to its critical role in the global production of batteries for electric vehicles and electronic devices. 
The EFCC emphasized its commitment to combating illegal mining operations and other financial crimes that undermine Nigeria’s economic stability and natural resource management. The Commission urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to mining and resource exploitation to the appropriate authorities. 
As investigations continue, stakeholders across the mining and security sectors are watching closely to see how the legal proceedings will unfold, particularly given the involvement of foreign nationals in the alleged activities. The EFCC reaffirmed that no individual or group involved in economic sabotage will be spared, regardless of nationality.
Further updates are expected as the case progresses through the judicial system.
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