Six Arrested In Lagos As Army Cracks Down On Illegal Oil Bunkering Operations

Six Arrested In Lagos As Army Cracks Down On Illegal Oil Bunkering Operations

Six suspected oil bunkerers are now in custody after troops of the 65 Battalion, Nigerian Army, swooped on an illegal operation site in Orile, Lagos State.

The intelligence-driven raid was led by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo. Confirming the operation on Wednesday, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 81 Division, Lieutenant Musa Yahaya, said the team recovered key equipment used in the illicit trade.

Items recovered include four trucks, one pumping machine, and several pipes and drums suspected to have been deployed for siphoning and transporting petroleum products.

The suspects, along with the seized items, have since been handed over to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and prosecution.

In a statement posted on X, the Army said the raid was carried out following credible intelligence.
“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 statement noted.

Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, charged them to sustain the offensive against economic saboteurs and other criminal elements within the division’s jurisdiction.

The Army added that the operation aligns with ongoing efforts to tackle illegal bunkering, protect critical national assets, and strengthen security across Lagos and surrounding areas.