Odita Sunday 
Troops Smash Illegal Bunkering Ring Near Dangote Refinery, Arrest 14 Suspects In Lagos
A major illegal petroleum bunkering operation near the Dangote Refinery has been dismantled by troops of the 81 Division Nigerian Army, leading to the arrest of 14 suspected oil thieves and the recovery of a tanker, vehicles and pumping equipment.
The operation, carried out in the Lekki Free Zone area of Lagos during the early hours of April 16, followed credible intelligence on the activities of the suspects.
Military authorities said the suspects were caught while allegedly siphoning petroleum products through an illegal pipeline linked from the high sea to a tanker hidden inside a bush path.
The disclosure was contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 81 Division Nigeria Army on Friday.
According to the Army, the suspects attempted to flee on sighting the approaching troops but were quickly subdued and arrested by soldiers during the coordinated raid.
Recovered items from the scene included a petroleum tanker truck already loaded with siphoned products, a Lexus Highlander SUV, a Ford Hilux vehicle, a generator-powered pumping machine, a 40HP boat engine, and large quantities of industrial hosepipes and other bunkering materials.
The arrested suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending preliminary investigation and handover to the appropriate prosecuting agencies.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to combating crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage, especially around critical national assets and infrastructure.
It also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to strengthen ongoing operations across the country.
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