Army Arrests 6 Suspected Oil Bunkerers, Dismantles Illegal Bunkering Site In Lagos

Troops of the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected illegal bunkering site in the Orile General Area of Lagos State, arresting six suspected oil bunkerers during an intelligence-led operation.

The operation was conducted under the leadership of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo, following credible intelligence on illegal bunkering activities in the area.

According to the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Musa Yahaya, in a post on X on Wednesday, the raid led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of four trucks, one pumping machine, and assorted pipes and drums allegedly used for illegal bunkering operations.

The suspects and the recovered items have since been handed over to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and necessary action.

In a statement, the Army said, “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 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, urged them to sustain the fight against economic sabotage and other criminal activities.

He charged the troops “to sustain the offensive against economic sabotage and other criminal activities within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility.”

The Army said the operation is part of its ongoing efforts to combat illegal oil bunkering, protect critical national assets and strengthen security across its area of responsibility.