Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested six suspected oil bunkerers and dismantled an illegal bunkering site in the Orile General Area of Lagos State during an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing economic sabotage.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 65 Battalion, Nigerian Army, under the leadership of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo, following credible intelligence on illegal oil bunkering activities in the area.
According to the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Musa Yahaya, the raid led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of equipment allegedly used for illegal bunkering operations.
The recovered items include four trucks, one pumping machine, and several pipes and drums believed to have been used for siphoning and transporting petroleum products.
In a statement, the Army said: “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 Army disclosed that the suspects, along with the recovered items, have been handed over to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Commending the troops for the successful operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, urged them to remain committed to the fight against economic sabotage and other criminal activities within the division’s area of responsibility.
“Sustain the offensive against economic sabotage and other criminal activities within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility,” the GOC charged the troops.
The Nigerian Army stated that the operation forms part of its ongoing efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering, protect critical national assets and strengthen security across the country.
