Army troops foils major bunkering operation along Lagos waterways, recovers trucks, arrest 15 suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected large-scale oil theft syndicate operating along the Lekki–Ibeju coastal axis of Lagos State, arresting 15 suspects and recovering multiple vehicles, marine equipment, and pumping devices used in illegal petroleum siphoning.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation was conducted in the early hours of April 17, 2026, by troops of 65 Battalion under the 81 Division, following sustained human intelligence and surveillance on suspected crude oil and refined product theft activities in the area close to 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 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.
Troops reportedly intervened and arrested 15 suspects at the scene, while the illegal pumping activity was immediately halted. However, due to the tidal conditions and sea wave intensity at the time of the operation, troops were unable to physically access the offshore barge believed to be part of the criminal network.
Recovered items from the scene include a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 SUV, a Ford Ranger pickup vehicle, a pumping machine, a 40HP Yamaha speedboat engine, and a large quantity of industrial hose pipes suspected to have been used for product transfer.
Security sources further disclosed that the operation followed earlier tracking of suspicious movements in the area, including reports of illegal connections suspected to be siphoning petroleum products from high-value industrial supply points within the Lekki Free Zone environment.
All arrested suspects and recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for detailed investigation aimed at identifying the broader network behind the operation, including offshore collaborators and land-based logistics support units.
Military said preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of damage, ownership of vessels involved, and possible collusion with external actors operating within the maritime corridor.
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 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.
