Troops of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Military have dismantled an unlawful petroleum bunkering operation and arrested 14 suspects within the Lekki Free Zone space of Lagos state.
This was contained in a press release launched Friday by the Appearing Deputy Director, Military Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya.
The assertion indicated that the operation, carried out within the early hours of April 16, 2026, adopted credible intelligence on on-going oil theft actions close to the Dangote Refinery axis.
“Appearing swiftly, the troops stormed the placement round 1:30 a.m. and caught the suspects within the act of siphoning petroleum merchandise.
“Investigations on the scene revealed that the suspects had constructed an unlawful connection utilizing an extended pipeline stretching from the excessive sea to a hid tanker in a bush. A generator-powered pumping machine was used to switch the stolen merchandise into the automobile”
“Upon sighting the troops, the suspects tried to flee however have been rapidly subdued and arrested” the assertion partly learn.
It added that gadgets recovered in the course of the operation included “a tanker truck loaded with siphoned petroleum merchandise; a Lexus Highlander SUV (APP 67 JQ Lagos); a Ford Hilux automobile (BY 117 FST Lagos); a pumping machine; a 40HP boat engine, and a big amount of commercial hoses and different bunkering gear.”
In line with the assertion, the suspects and recovered reveals have been presently in navy custody pending preliminary investigations and subsequent hand-over to related prosecuting businesses in keeping with current legal guidelines.
“The Nigerian Military reaffirms its dedication to tackling crude oil theft and safeguarding vital nationwide infrastructure. It additionally urges members of the general public to proceed offering well timed and credible info to safety businesses,” the assertion learn additional.