The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in Lagos, arrested two Chinese nationals and six Nigerians.
The suspects were arrested for alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in the Ogere area of Ogun.
This is contained in a statement made available to newsman by the commission in Abuja on Saturday.
The suspects are Zhang Hang Lin, Gao Pei Hai, Matthew Mathias, Oluwaseun Amoo, Wasiu Ademola Alao, Ajibola Nurudeen, Ibrahim Yinusa, and Saidu Shuaibu.
The commission said the suspects were apprehended on Friday during a sting operation, following credible intelligence received by the Commission.
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 and samples of suspected low-grade lithium.
ATM cards, international passports, four LED flashlights, and various documents relevant to the investigation were al.
The suspects will be charged in court upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
It’s concerning to see the extent of illegal mining activities in Nigeria, especially with the involvement of foreign nationals. The EFCC’s swift action based on credible intelligence is commendable, but it raises questions about how widespread this issue is. The recovery of ground lithium powder and other minerals suggests a significant environmental and economic impact. I wonder if there are enough measures in place to prevent such activities in the future. How effective are the current laws and enforcement strategies in curbing illegal mining? It’s also alarming to see the connection between illegal activities and the involvement of both locals and foreigners. What steps can be taken to ensure that such collaborations are discouraged? Lastly, the mention of other crimes in the same report highlights the broader security challenges in the region. How can the government address these issues holistically?