Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 15 suspected oil thieves around the Ibeju Lekki axis of Lagos State.
This is contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja. It revealed that the suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Friday by troops of Headquarters 9 Brigade in conjunction with 65 Battalion, following credible intelligence and surveillance on suspected crude oil and refined product theft activities in the area close to the Dangote Refinery corridor.
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,” the report reads.
It clarified that the suspects were intercepted while attempting to illegally tap into a crude oil discharge point from a vessel supplying crude to the Dangote Refinery.
“The vessel was discharging crude oil to the refinery for the production of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS and Automotive Gas Oil, AGO, when the suspects were caught trying to connect pipes to the discharge point,” it said.
The report said the operation led to the arrest of 15 suspects and recovery of several items used in the illegal activity.
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According to the report, recovered items include a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 sport utility vehicle, and a Ford Ranger pick-up truck, multiple vehicles, marine equipment, and pumping devices used in illegal petroleum siphoning.
“The suspects and exhibits are currently in the custody of 65 Battalion, while further investigations are ongoing.
“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 report said.
“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.”
NAN
