TROOP of the Nigerian Army have arrested 15 suspected oil thieves around the Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos State, foiling what the army described as an attempted illegal operation targeting crude oil supply infrastructure linked to the Dangote Refinery.
The development was disclosed in an operational report made available to News Point Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.
According to the report, the suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Friday by troops of Headquarters 9 Brigade in conjunction with 65 Battalion, following what was described as credible intelligence.
The report clarified that the suspects were intercepted while attempting to illegally tap into a crude oil discharge point from a vessel supplying crude to the Dangote Refinery.
“The vessel was discharging crude oil to the refinery for the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) when the suspects were caught trying to connect pipes to the discharge point,” the report stated.
It further revealed that the operation led to the arrest of 15 suspects and the recovery of several items allegedly used in carrying out the illegal activity.
Among the items recovered were a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 sport utility vehicle, and a Ford Ranger pick-up truck.
Other equipment seized during the operation included a pumping machine, a 40-horsepower Yamaha speedboat engine, and multiple hose pipes believed to have been intended for siphoning crude oil.
“The suspects and exhibits are currently in the custody of 65 Battalion, while further investigations are ongoing,” the report added.
The Nigerian Army noted that the successful operation underscores its sustained efforts to safeguard critical national infrastructure and combat crude oil theft across the country.
Authorities have repeatedly emphasised that illegal oil bunkering poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s economy, environment, and energy security, prompting intensified military operations in vulnerable locations.
