Troops of the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, have dismantled a suspected illegal oil bunkering site in Lagos State arresting six suspects and recovering four trucks, a pumping machine and other equipment allegedly used for the illicit operation.
The operation, which followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected oil thieves in the area, dealt a significant blow to an illegal bunkering network believed to be involved in the unauthorised storage and movement of petroleum products.
During the raid, the troops recovered assorted pipes and drums allegedly used for the transfer and storage of illegally obtained petroleum products.
According to the Nigerian Army, the intelligence-led operation was carefully coordinated to prevent the suspects from escaping and to ensure the recovery of equipment used in the illicit business.
The six suspects were apprehended at the scene without incident, while the recovered trucks and pumping machine are believed to have played key roles in the illegal bunkering activities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, said the suspects and all recovered exhibits had been handed over to personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, for further investigation and other necessary legal action.
Yahaya noted that the handover was in line with established inter-agency collaboration aimed at ensuring thorough investigation and prosecution of individuals involved in economic sabotage and related offences.
Reacting to the successful operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, commended the troops for their professionalism, vigilance and commitment in dismantling the suspected illegal bunkering site.
He urged the troops to sustain the ongoing offensive against economic sabotage, oil theft and other criminal activities within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s resolve to work with other security agencies to protect critical national assets and safeguard the country’s economic interests.