Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Lagos have arrested two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians for their alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in the Ogere area of Ogun State.
In a statement released by the commission in Abuja on Saturday, the suspects were identified as Zhang Hang Lin, Gao Pei Hai, Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Ademola Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa, and Saidu Shuaibu.
The commission reported that the suspects were apprehended during a sting operation on Friday, which was conducted following credible intelligence and detailed surveillance of their activities.
At the point of arrest, operatives recovered three trucks loaded with sacks of substances suspected to be ground lithium powder, along with other yet-to-be-identified solid minerals.
Other items recovered from the suspects include a Toyota 4Runner SUV, mobile phones, samples of suspected low-grade lithium, ATM cards, international passports, four LED flashlights, and various documents relevant to the investigation.
The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
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