Troops of the Nigerian Army have successfully stopped a major oil theft operation in Lagos, leading to the arrest of 15 suspected members of a criminal network.
The operation took place along the Lekki Ibeju coastal area, where security forces uncovered what was described as a “large-scale” illegal oil bunkering activity. The raid followed weeks of intelligence gathering and close monitoring of suspicious movements linked to crude oil theft in the region.
Reports indicate that the troops acted in the early hours of the day after receiving credible information about ongoing illegal activities near the Dangote refinery corridor. Acting on this intelligence, soldiers moved into the Lekki Free Zone area, where the operation was believed to be taking place.
“According to the sources, the troops deployed from Bonny Cantonment moved into the Lekki Free Zone general area after intelligence indicated that a coordinated illegal bunkering operation was ongoing at a creek location linked to offshore barge activities.”
Upon arrival at about 1:30 a.m., the troops reportedly caught the suspects in the act. The group was said to be siphoning petroleum products from a vessel positioned offshore. The stolen products were being transferred through an improvised system into a tanker waiting on land.
“The sources explained that upon arrival at about 1:30 a.m., troops discovered that suspected bunkerers were actively siphoning petroleum products from a vessel positioned offshore.”
However, due to difficult weather conditions and rough tides, the soldiers were unable to reach an offshore barge believed to be part of the wider operation. Despite this challenge, the troops succeeded in dismantling the syndicate’s activities on land and securing the area.
During the raid, several items used for the illegal operation were recovered. These included a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 SUV, a Ford Ranger pickup, pumping machines, a 40HP Yamaha engine, and large quantities of industrial hoses. These tools were believed to have been used to transport and transfer stolen petroleum products.
Authorities confirmed that all 15 suspects are currently in custody, along with the seized equipment. Investigations are ongoing as security agencies work to uncover the full extent of the network. This includes identifying offshore collaborators and other individuals who may be supporting the operation from different locations.
“Security forces have also intensified surveillance across coastal routes and industrial installations in Lagos State as part of wider efforts to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal petroleum product diversion.”
The military has also assured the public that follow-up operations will continue. The goal is to track down other members of the syndicate and dismantle every part of the supply chain that supports illegal oil bunkering activities.
“The military assured that follow-up operations will continue to target remaining members of the syndicate and dismantle all associated logistics chains supporting illegal bunkering activities in the region.”
This latest operation highlights ongoing efforts by Nigerian security forces to combat oil theft, which remains a major challenge to the country’s economy and energy sector.
