Troops Uncover Illegal Oil Bunkering Site in Lagos, Arrest 6 Suspects
Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion have dismantled a suspected illegal bunkering site in the Orile area of Lagos State, arresting six suspected economic saboteurs and recovering petroleum products and vehicles linked to the illicit operation.
The operation was carried out on July 16 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected illegal bunkerers operating within the area, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya.
Acting on the intelligence, the troops conducted a targeted raid on the location, leading to the arrest of six suspects believed to be involved in the illegal refining and distribution of petroleum products.
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Items recovered during the operation included four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products. The troops also recovered a white Ford bus and a tanker suspected to have been used to facilitate the illegal bunkering activities.
The suspects and the recovered exhibits were subsequently handed over to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and possible prosecution. The handover was conducted by the Commanding Officer of the 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo.
Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, praised their swift response, professionalism and successful execution of the operation.
He said the success underscored the Division’s determination to protect critical national assets and deny criminal elements the opportunity to operate within its area of responsibility.
The GOC also urged the troops to sustain the tempo of ongoing operations against economic sabotage and other criminal activities, while encouraging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance national security.
By PRNigeria
