Nigerian Army troops have arrested no fewer than 15 suspected oil thieves in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State during an operation targeting illegal crude oil activities around a major facility linked to the Dangote Refinery.
According to an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, the suspects were apprehended in the early hours of the day by personnel from Headquarters 9 Brigade, working alongside 65 Battalion, following credible intelligence.
The report stated that the suspects were caught while allegedly attempting to illegally tap crude oil at a discharge point serving vessels supplying crude to the Dangote Refinery.
At the time of the incident, a vessel was reportedly offloading crude oil intended for the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) when the suspects tried to connect pipes to siphon the product.
Military authorities confirmed that 15 suspects were arrested during the coordinated operation, alongside the recovery of several items believed to have been used in the illegal activity.
Recovered equipment includes 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 report added that all suspects and recovered items are currently in the custody of 65 Battalion, while investigations are ongoing.
The Nigerian Army described the operation as part of continued efforts to safeguard critical national infrastructure and curb crude oil theft across the country.
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