Troops of the 81 Division Nigerian Army have smashed an illegal petroleum bunkering syndicate operating within the Lekki Free Zone axis near the Dangote Refinery in Lagos State, arresting 14 suspects and recovering a tanker, vehicles and heavy equipment used for the illicit operation.
The operation, according to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 81 Division Nigerian Army, was executed in the early hours of 16 April 2026 at about 0130 hours following credible and actionable intelligence.
Troops reportedly arrived at the scene while the suspects were actively siphoning petroleum products, catching them mid operation as they attempted to execute what appeared to be a well coordinated theft network.
Investigations at the site revealed that the criminals had illegally connected a long pipeline from the high sea into a concealed tanker position deep within a bush area, enabling uninterrupted diversion of petroleum products.
The syndicate was further found to be using a generator powered pumping machine to transfer the stolen products into a tanker truck, underscoring the sophistication and scale of the illegal operation.
On sighting the approaching soldiers, the suspects attempted to flee in different directions, but were swiftly overpowered and arrested in a rapid response that neutralised their escape efforts.
Items recovered from the scene include a petroleum tanker truck already loaded with siphoned products, a Lexus Highlander SUV with registration number APP 67 JQ Lagos, and a Ford Hilux vehicle with registration number BY 117 FST Lagos.
Troops also recovered a 40HP boat engine, one pumping machine, and a large quantity of industrial hosepipes alongside other bunkering related equipment believed to have supported the illegal operation.
The 14 arrested suspects together with all recovered items are currently in the custody of 81 Division Nigerian Army where preliminary investigations are ongoing ahead of handover to appropriate prosecuting agencies in line with extant laws.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to the fight against crude oil theft and economic sabotage, especially around critical national infrastructure zones, while urging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies.