Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt a major blow to oil theft syndicates, foiling an illegal bunkering operation and arresting 14 suspects in the Lekki Free Zone area of Lagos State.
The operation, carried out by the 81 Division in the early hours of April 16, targeted a criminal network operating near the Dangote Refinery.
Acting on credible intelligence, troops stormed the site at about 1:30 a.m., catching the suspects in the act of siphoning petroleum products through an illicit pipeline allegedly connected from the high sea to a tanker hidden in a bush.
Military sources said the suspects attempted to flee upon sighting the advancing troops but were swiftly overpowered and arrested.
A haul of items recovered at the scene included a tanker truck loaded with siphoned fuel, a Lexus Highlander SUV, a Ford Hilux vehicle, a generator-powered pumping machine, a 40HP boat engine, and large quantities of industrial hoses used for the illegal operation.
The suspects and exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation and handover to prosecuting authorities.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to tackling crude oil theft and economic sabotage, especially around critical national assets, urging the public to continue providing timely intelligence to support ongoing security operations.
The crackdown underscores intensified efforts to protect Nigeria’s vital oil infrastructure and curb revenue losses from illegal bunkering activities.
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