Army Cracks Down on Illegal Oil Bunkering in Lagos, Six Arrested

Troops of the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected illegal oil bunkering operation in Lagos State, leading to the arrest of six suspects during a coordinated intelligence-led operation.

The operation was carried out at the Orile General Area under the supervision of the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo, following reports of suspected illegal petroleum activities in the community.

According to military authorities, the raid resulted in the arrest of six individuals allegedly involved in the illicit operation. Security operatives also recovered four trucks, a pumping machine, and several pipes and drums believed to have been used for illegal oil bunkering.

Following the operation, the suspects and the recovered exhibits were transferred to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Reacting to the successful operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, commended the troops for their professionalism and vigilance. He urged them to sustain the momentum in tackling economic sabotage and other criminal activities within the division’s area of responsibility.

The military described the operation as part of its ongoing campaign against illegal oil bunkering, a crime that continues to undermine the nation’s economy, damage the environment, and fuel organised criminal networks.

Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening intelligence-driven operations aimed at safeguarding critical national assets and ensuring that those involved in economic sabotage are identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.