Troops of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army have foiled an illegal petroleum bunkering operation in the Lekki Free Zone area of Lagos State, arresting 14 suspected oil thieves and recovering several items used in the illicit activity.
The operation, which took place in the early hours of April 16, 2026, followed credible intelligence on illegal bunkering activities around the Dangote Refinery axis.
Acting on the information, the troops carried out a swift and coordinated raid at about 1:30 a.m., where the suspects were apprehended while siphoning petroleum products.
Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, in a statement on Friday, said that the suspects had constructed an illegal pipeline connection from the high sea to a tanker concealed in a bush.
Yahaya disclosed that the group reportedly used a generator-powered pumping machine to transfer the products into the vehicle.
According to him, the suspects attempted to flee upon sighting the troops, but were overpowered and arrested at the scene.
“Items recovered during the operation include a tanker truck loaded with siphoned petroleum products, a Lexus Highlander SUV with registration number APP 67 JQ Lagos, a Ford Hilux vehicle with registration number BY 117 FST Lagos, a pumping machine, a 40-horsepower boat engine, and a large quantity of industrial hosepipes, among other bunkering equipment.
“The arrested suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody for preliminary investigation and will be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting authorities in accordance with extant laws,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to tackling crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage, particularly in critical national infrastructure zones.
It also called on members of the public to provide timely and credible information to security agencies to support ongoing operations.
