The operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested eight individuals including two Chinese nationals for alleged involvement in illegal mining operations in the Ogere area of Ogun State.
The arrest, which took place on Friday, followed credible intelligence and extensive surveillance carried out by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Command, according to a statement released in Abuja on Saturday.
The suspects have been identified as Zhang Hang Lin, Gao Pei Hai, Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Ademola Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa, and Saidu Shuaibu.
During the sting operation, EFCC operatives intercepted three trucks reportedly filled with sacks containing what is suspected to be ground lithium powder, along with other unidentified solid minerals.
Additional items recovered at the scene include a Toyota 4Runner SUV, several mobile phones, ATM cards, international passports, four LED flashlights, samples of suspected low-grade lithium, and a range of documents deemed critical to the ongoing investigation.
The EFCC stated that the suspects will be formally charged to court once investigations are concluded.
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