Troops of the 81 Division Nigerian Army successfully disrupted a major illegal petroleum bunkering operation in the Lekki Free Zone early Thursday morning, resulting in the arrest of 14 suspects and the seizure of high-capacity siphoning equipment.
The operation, which took place at approximately 01:30 hours on April 16, 2026, was launched following the receipt of actionable intelligence regarding suspicious activity near the Dangote Refinery. Upon arrival, soldiers discovered a sophisticated illegal setup where criminals had connected a long pipeline from the high sea to a tanker hidden within a wooded area. The suspects were caught in the act of using a generator-powered pumping machine to transfer the siphoned petroleum products into the waiting vehicle.
Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division, confirmed that while the suspects attempted to evade capture upon sighting the military personnel, they were quickly overpowered and taken into custody.
Beyond the arrests, the Army recovered a significant haul of equipment and vehicles used in the illicit trade. This included a petroleum tanker truck already loaded with stolen products, a Lexus Highlander SUV, and a Ford Hilux vehicle. Technical equipment seized at the site included a high-powered pumping machine, a 40HP boat engine, and an extensive network of industrial hosepipes.
The suspects and the confiscated items are currently being held by the 81 Division for preliminary investigations. Following this process, the case will be handed over to the relevant prosecuting agencies for legal action.
In a statement following the raid, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its dedication to protecting critical national infrastructure and eliminating economic sabotage. Officials also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible information to assist security forces in maintaining the integrity of the nation’s energy sector.
