Troops of the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army have foiled an illegal petroleum bunkering operation and arrested 14 suspects in the Lekki Free Zone area of Lagos.
The operation was carried out in the early hours of April 16, 2026, following intelligence on the activities of suspected oil thieves near the Dangote refinery axis.
The Army said the suspects were apprehended while siphoning petroleum products and connected a pipeline from the high sea to a tanker hidden in a bush.
According to the military authorities, the products were being transferred into the tanker using a generator-powered pumping machine.
The Army said the suspects attempted to flee upon sighting the troops, however, they were overpowered.
Items recovered include a tanker loaded with siphoned petroleum products. Others are 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, and a 40HP boat engine. The troops also recovered industrial hosepipes and other bunkering equipment.
The suspects and recovered items are in the custody of the 81 Division for preliminary investigation, as the Army said they will be handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to tackling crude oil theft and economic sabotage and urged members of the public to provide credible information to support security operations.
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