Nigerian Army troops from the 65 Battalion, led by Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel S Adeojo, have successfully dismantled a suspected illegal bunkering site in the Orile area of Lagos State. The operation, carried out on credible intelligence, resulted in the arrest of six individuals believed to be involved in oil theft. The troops also recovered four trucks, one pumping machine, and various pipes and drums allegedly used in the illegal refining and siphoning of crude oil. The seized items and suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos State Command for further investigation and legal proceedings.
The operation was confirmed in a statement issued by Lt-Col Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division Nigerian Army. He emphasized that the raid was conducted swiftly and effectively following intelligence reports pointing to the location of the illegal facility. The troops acted decisively to disrupt criminal networks engaged in economic sabotage, which has long plagued Nigeria’s oil-producing regions and contributed to fuel scarcity and price hikes nationwide.
The recovered equipment and vehicles are significant indicators of organized illegal bunkering, a persistent challenge that undermines national security and economic stability. The pumping machine and associated tools suggest a well-established operation capable of siphoning crude oil from pipelines and transporting it for illicit sale. The involvement of multiple trucks highlights the scale of the criminal activity, which often operates in coordination with local and regional networks.
Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, praised the troops for their professionalism and commitment to national security. He urged them to maintain the momentum in combating oil theft and other criminal activities within their area of responsibility. The success of this operation reflects the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to secure critical infrastructure and protect the nation’s economic interests.
This crackdown comes amid heightened security measures across the Niger Delta and Lagos, where illegal bunkering remains a major threat. The collaboration between the Nigerian Army and NSCDC demonstrates a coordinated approach to tackling the issue. Authorities continue to warn against involvement in oil theft, emphasizing that such activities are not only illegal but also dangerous and destructive to the environment.
As the Nigerian government intensifies its fight against economic sabotage, operations like this one in Orile serve as a strong deterrent. The military’s sustained presence and proactive intelligence-driven raids are expected to disrupt more criminal networks in the coming months.
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