Nigerian Army Apprehends 14 Suspected Oil Thieves in Lagos

Soldiers attached to the Nigerian Army's 81 Division have thwarted an illegal petroleum bunkering scheme in Lagos State, specifically within the Lekki Free Zone. During the operation, 14 individuals suspected of involvement in oil theft were taken into custody, and numerous items associated with the illegal activity were confiscated.

The military action was initiated in the early hours of April 16, 2026, following specific intelligence regarding illicit bunkering operations near the Dangote Refinery. The troops executed a rapid and well-coordinated raid at approximately 1:30 a.m., apprehending the suspects as they were in the process of transferring petroleum products.

Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division, stated on Friday that the suspects had established an unauthorized pipeline connection from the sea to a tanker truck concealed within a nearby bush. He further noted that the group was allegedly using a generator-powered pumping machine to move the stolen products into the vehicle.

According to Yahaya, the suspects attempted to evade capture upon the arrival of the military personnel but were ultimately apprehended at the scene.

Among the items recovered during the operation are a tanker truck laden with siphoned petroleum products, a Lexus Highlander SUV with license plate APP 67 JQ Lagos, a Ford Hilux vehicle registered as BY 117 FST Lagos, a pumping machine, a 40-horsepower boat engine, and a substantial quantity of industrial hosepipes, along with other equipment used for bunkering.

"The individuals apprehended and the recovered items are currently under military custody undergoing preliminary investigation. They will subsequently be transferred to the relevant prosecuting agencies in compliance with established laws," Yahaya added.

In a related development, the Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its dedication to combating crude oil theft and other actions detrimental to the nation's economy, particularly in areas housing critical national infrastructure. The Army also urged the public to continue providing prompt and reliable information to security agencies to aid ongoing efforts.