Troops of 81 Division Nigerian Army have foiled an illegal petroleum bunkering operation and arrested 14 suspected oil thieves at the Lekki Free Zone general area near the Dangote Refinery in Lagos State.
Acting on credible intelligence, the troops conducted a coordinated operation in the early hours of April 16, 2026, at about 1:30 a.m. The suspects were apprehended while actively siphoning petroleum products.
The suspects had illegally connected a long pipeline from the high sea to a tanker concealed in a bush location and were using a generator-powered pumping machine to transfer the products into the vehicle.
On sighting the approaching troops, the suspects attempted to flee but were overpowered and arrested by the soldiers.
Items recovered from the scene include a petroleum tanker truck loaded with siphoned petroleum products, one Lexus Highlander SUV with registration number APP 67 JQ Lagos, one Ford Hilux vehicle with registration number BY 117 FST Lagos, one pumping machine, one 40HP boat engine, and a large quantity of industrial hosepipes and other bunkering equipment.
The arrested suspects and recovered items are in the custody of 81 Division Nigerian Army for preliminary investigation and subsequent handover to the appropriate prosecuting agencies in accordance with extant laws.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to combating crude oil theft and other economic sabotage, particularly within critical national infrastructure zones.
Members of the public were encouraged to continue providing timely and credible information to the military and other security agencies to enhance ongoing operations.
The statement was issued by Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, on April 17, 2026.
