Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 15 suspected oil thieves around the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State during a coordinated security operation.
According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, the suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Friday by personnel of Headquarters 9 Brigade in collaboration with 65 Battalion, following credible intelligence.
The report stated that the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to illegally tap crude oil from a discharge point connected to a vessel supplying crude to the Dangote Refinery. The refinery was reportedly receiving crude oil for the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) at the time of the incident.
Security sources disclosed that the suspects were caught while trying to attach pipes to the discharge facility to siphon crude illegally.
The operation led to the arrest of all 15 individuals, alongside the recovery of several equipment believed to have been used in the illegal activity.
Items recovered include a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 SUV, a Ford Ranger pickup, a pumping machine, a 40HP Yamaha speedboat engine, and multiple hoses.
The suspects and exhibits are currently in the custody of 65 Battalion as investigations continue.
The Nigerian Army said the operation highlights ongoing efforts to protect critical national infrastructure and curb crude oil theft across the country, especially in oil-related facilities under security surveillance in Lagos State.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against oil theft and other economic sabotage activities.
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