The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has busted four illegal lithium processing plants in Ogun State and arrested 14 Chinese nationals and one Nigerian for alleged illegal mining activities.

The operation was carried out by operatives of the commission in the Ogere area of Ogun State, where the suspects were found to be operating lithium processing plants without lawful approval from relevant authorities.

According to the report, the illegal plants were discovered following intelligence gathered on the activities of the suspects, who were said to have been engaged in large scale processing of lithium meant for export without due process.

The image accompanying the report showed the 15 suspects lined up with their backs to the camera, standing against a wall at the premises of the anti graft agency after their arrest during the operation.

The EFCC disclosed that the Nigerian among the arrested persons was working with the foreign nationals to facilitate the illegal operations, while equipment and large quantities of processed lithium were recovered from the sites.

The commission stated that the suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations, stressing its commitment to clamp down on illegal mining and economic sabotage that undermines Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

The arrest has attracted commendation from members of the public who have urged the Federal Government to strengthen regulation of the mining sector to prevent foreigners from exploiting the nation’s mineral resources illegally.