Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested six suspected oil bunkerers after dismantling an alleged illegal bunkering site in the Orile General Area of Lagos State during an intelligence-led operation.
The operation was conducted by personnel of the 65 Battalion under the leadership of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo, following credible intelligence on illegal oil theft 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 resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of four trucks, a pumping machine, as well as assorted pipes and drums believed to have been used for illegal bunkering operations.
The recovered items and the suspects have since been handed over to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Army said the operation was launched after receiving credible intelligence on the activities of suspected oil thieves operating within the area.
The statement read, “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.”
Commending the troops for the successful operation, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 81 Division, Major Geneneral Adebayo Babalola, urged soldiers to sustain the military’s offensive against economic sabotage and other forms of criminality.
He charged the troops to remain resolute in tackling illegal oil bunkering and related crimes within the division’s area of responsibility.
The Nigerian Army said the operation is part of its ongoing campaign to curb illegal oil bunkering, safeguard critical national assets and strengthen security across the 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
