In an intelligence-led operation, soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion demolished a suspected illegal bunkering site in Lagos State’s Orile General Area and detained six suspected oil bunkers.
Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo, the commanding officer, led the operation in response to reliable information about illicit bunkering operations in the region.
The raid resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of four trucks, one pumping machine, and various pipes and drums allegedly used for illicit bunkering operations, according to Lieutenant Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army on X on Wednesday.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps’ Lagos State Command has received the suspects and the discovered materials for additional investigation and appropriate action.
“The troops raided the site and arrested six suspected oil bunkerers based on credible intelligence,” the Army stated in a statement. Four vehicles, one pumping equipment, and several pipes and drums that were purportedly utilized for illicit bunkering operations were also recovered as a result of the investigation.
Major General Adebayo Babalola, General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, commended the troops for the successful operation and tasked them with continuing to combat economic sabotage and other illegal activities.
“To sustain the offensive against economic sabotage and other criminal activities within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility,” he exhorted the soldiers.
According to the Army, the operation is a component of its continuous efforts to prevent illicit oil bunkering, safeguard vital national resources, and bolster security within its sphere of influence.
