Troops Foil Illegal Oil Bunkering In Lagos, Arrests 14 Suspects

Troops of the 81 Division Nigerian Army have foiled an illegal petroleum bunkering operation in the Lekki axis of Lagos State, arresting 14 suspected oil thieves and recovering a tanker, vehicles, and other equipment used in the illicit activity.

The operation, which took place in the early hours of April 16, 2026, was carried out at the Lekki Free Zone general area, near the Dangote Refinery, following what the Army described as “credible and actionable intelligence.”

According to a statement shared by the Nigerian Army on its verified Facebook page on Saturday, troops launched a “swift and coordinated operation” at about 1:30 a.m., during which the suspects were caught in the act of siphoning petroleum products.

The statement revealed that 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 petroleum products into the vehicle.

“On sighting the approaching troops, the suspects attempted to flee but were swiftly overpowered and arrested by the vigilant and gallant soldiers,” the Army said.

Items recovered from the scene included a petroleum tanker truck loaded with siphoned products, a Lexus Highlander SUV with registration number APP 67 JQ Lagos, and a Ford Hilux vehicle with registration number BY 117 FST Lagos.

Other items recovered were a pumping machine, a 40-horsepower boat engine, as well as a large quantity of industrial hosepipes and related bunkering equipment.