The Nigerian Army has uncovered and dismantled a suspected illegal bunkering operation in the Orile area of Lagos State, leading to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of petroleum products and vehicles allegedly used in the illicit business.
The operation was carried out by troops of the 65 Battalion following credible intelligence on the activities of individuals suspected to be involved in economic sabotage within the area.
According to the Army, the suspects, along with all items recovered during the operation, have been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos State Command for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Illegal bunkering and crude oil theft continue to pose serious economic and security threats to Nigeria, depriving the country of billions of naira in revenue each year. Although the practice is most common in the Niger Delta, security agencies have in recent years uncovered similar illegal refining and petroleum diversion operations in other parts of the country, including Lagos.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the Army said the operation took place on July 16 after troops received actionable intelligence.
“The operation, conducted on 16 July 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected economic saboteurs operating within the area. Acting swiftly on the information, the troops carried out a targeted raid on the suspected site and apprehended six individuals believed to be involved in the illegal bunkering operation,” the statement said.
During the raid, soldiers recovered four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products.
The Army also seized a white Ford bus and a tanker believed to have been used to facilitate the illegal operation.
“Items recovered during the operation included four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products. Troops also recovered a white Ford bus and a tanker suspected to have been used in support of the illicit activity,” it stated.
The statement noted that the suspects and all recovered exhibits were subsequently transferred to the NSCDC Lagos State Command for further investigation and legal action.
“The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos State Command by the Commanding Officer, 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo, for further investigation and necessary legal action,” the statement added.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, praised the troops for the successful operation, describing it as evidence of the military’s determination to protect critical national assets.
“The achievement reflects the Division’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and denying criminal elements the freedom to operate within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility,” Babalola said.
He also urged troops to maintain the momentum in the fight against economic sabotage and called on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to help curb illegal bunkering and related crimes.
