Troops of the Nigerian Army have disrupted a “large-scale” illegal oil bunkering operation along the Lekki–Ibeju coastal axis of Lagos State, leading to the dismantling of the theft network.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication covering the Lake Chad region, 15 suspects were arrested, while several vehicles, marine equipment, and pumping devices used for siphoning petroleum products were recovered.
Security sources said the operation was carried out in the early hours of Friday following sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance on suspected crude oil and refined product theft activities around the Dangote Refinery corridor.
“According to the sources, the troops deployed from Bonny Cantonment moved into the Lekki Free Zone general area after intelligence indicated that a coordinated illegal bunkering operation was ongoing at a creek location linked to offshore barge activities,” the report reads.
“The sources explained that upon arrival at about 1:30 a.m., troops discovered that suspected bunkerers were actively siphoning petroleum products from a vessel positioned offshore.
“The product was reportedly being transferred through an improvised pipeline system into a waiting tanker truck stationed onshore.
“The illegal operation, according to the sources, involved the use of floating hoses, pumping machines, and a concealed offshore barge system, designed to move petroleum products from sea-based installations into land-based storage and transport vehicles.”
The troops arrested the suspects at the scene and halted the operation, although rough tidal conditions prevented access to an offshore barge believed to be part of the network.
Recovered items include a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 SUV, a Ford Ranger pickup, a pumping machine, a 40HP Yamaha engine, and large quantities of industrial hose pipes.
The suspects and recovered items are currently in custody as investigations continue to uncover the broader network, including offshore collaborators and land-based support systems.
“Security forces have also intensified surveillance across coastal routes and industrial installations in Lagos State as part of wider efforts to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal petroleum product diversion,” the publication added.
“The military assured that follow-up operations will continue to target remaining members of the syndicate and dismantle all associated logistics chains supporting illegal bunkering activities in the region.”