Lagos bunkering site dismantled as army seizes vehicles, petroleum products

The Nigerian Army has dismantled a suspected illegal bunkering operation in Lagos State, arresting six suspects during an intelligence-led operation in Orile.

According to the Army, troops from the 65 Battalion carried out the raid on 16 July 2026 after receiving credible information about the activities of individuals allegedly involved in the illegal petroleum trade.

In a statement issued over the weekend, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, said the operation was launched promptly following the intelligence report.

“The operation, conducted on 16 July 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected economic saboteurs operating within the area.

“Acting swiftly on the information, the troops carried out a targeted raid on the suspected site and apprehended six individuals believed to be involved in the illegal bunkering operation.

“Items recovered during the operation included four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products.

“Troops also recovered a white Ford bus and a tanker suspected to have been used in support of the illicit activity.”

Following the operation, the suspects and exhibits were transferred to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

“The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos State Command by the Commanding Officer, 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S Adeojo, for further investigation and necessary legal action.”

The General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, praised the troops for the successful operation, describing it as another step in the military’s efforts to protect strategic national assets and curb economic crimes within the division’s area of responsibility.

“The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, commended the troops for their swift response, professionalism and successful execution of the operation.

“He noted that the achievement reflects the Division’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding critical national assets and denying criminal elements the freedom to operate within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility.

“The GOC further urged troops to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations and encouraged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.”