Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected illegal oil bunkering operation in the Orile General Area of Lagos State, arresting six suspected bunkerers and recovering equipment believed to have been used for the illicit activity.
The operation was carried out by personnel of the 65 Battalion under the command of Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo following actionable intelligence on illegal oil-related activities in the area.
The Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Musa Yahaya, disclosed on Wednesday that the intelligence-driven raid resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of four trucks, a pumping machine, as well as several pipes and drums allegedly used in siphoning petroleum products.
According to the Army, the suspects and all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Army stated that the operation was part of its ongoing campaign against economic sabotage and other criminal activities threatening the nation’s critical assets.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the troops raided the site and arrested six suspected oil bunkerers. The operation also led to the recovery of four trucks, one pumping machine, and assorted pipes and drums allegedly used for illegal bunkering activities,” the statement read.
Reacting to the successful operation, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, praised the troops for their professionalism and urged them to sustain the offensive against illegal oil bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage within the division’s area of responsibility.
The Nigerian Army said the latest operation underscores its commitment to protecting critical national infrastructure, curbing crude oil theft, and enhancing security across the country.
