LAGOS, NIGERIA — By Prime Brief Media
Troops of the 81 Division Nigerian Army have successfully dismantled a sophisticated illegal petroleum bunkering operation in the Lekki Free Zone general area, arresting 14 suspected oil thieves and recovering a substantial cache of equipment used in the illicit trade.
According to an official statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division, the operation was conducted in the early hours of Wednesday, 16 April 2026, at approximately 1:30 AM. The statement confirmed that the troops acted on "credible and actionable intelligence" regarding ongoing criminal activity in the vicinity of the Dangote Refinery, a critical national asset.
Upon arrival at the scene, soldiers discovered the suspects in the act of siphoning petroleum products. Preliminary accounts indicate the criminal network had established an illegal pipeline connection stretching from the high sea to a concealed bush location on land. Using a generator-powered pumping machine, the suspects were transferring the stolen product directly into a waiting petroleum tanker truck.
"When the troops approached, the suspects attempted to flee but were swiftly overpowered and arrested by the vigilant and gallant soldiers," Lieutenant Colonel Yahaya stated in the release.
The items recovered from the scene underscore the scale and organisation of the operation. In addition to the tanker truck fully loaded with siphoned petroleum products, troops seized a Lexus Highlander SUV with Lagos registration number APP 67 JQ, a Ford Hilux vehicle with registration BY 117 FST Lagos, one industrial pumping machine, a 40-horsepower boat engine, and a large quantity of industrial hosepipes and other related bunkering equipment.
The proximity of the operation to the Dangote Refinery, a multi-billion dollar facility designed to position Nigeria as a net exporter of refined petroleum, highlights the persistent challenge of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism in the nation's maritime corridors. Economic sabotage of this nature continues to deprive the country of significant revenue and poses a threat to energy infrastructure security.
The arrested suspects and all recovered items remain in the custody of the 81 Division Nigerian Army. The statement confirmed that preliminary investigations are underway, and the suspects will subsequently be handed over to the "appropriate prosecuting agencies in accordance with extant laws."
The Nigerian Army reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating crude oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage, particularly within zones hosting critical national infrastructure. The military also encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance ongoing operational effectiveness.
Prime Brief Media continues to monitor developments regarding the prosecution of the suspects and the security framework around the Lekki Free Trade Zone.
