Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended 15 individuals suspected of crude oil theft in the Ibeju-Lekki corridor of Lagos State.
A military operational update released on Friday in Abuja confirmed that the arrests were made in the early hours of the day by personnel of Headquarters 9 Brigade in collaboration with 65 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence.
According to the report, the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to illegally hook into a crude oil discharge point from a vessel supplying feedstock to the Dangote Refinery.
“The vessel was discharging crude oil to the refinery for the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) when the suspects were caught trying to connect pipes to the discharge point,” it said.
The Army further disclosed that the coordinated raid led to the arrest of all 15 suspects and the recovery of equipment allegedly used in the operation.
Items recovered include a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 SUV, a Ford Ranger pickup, a pumping machine, a 40 HP Yamaha speedboat engine, and several industrial hoses.
“The suspects and exhibits are currently in the custody of 65 Battalion, while further investigations are ongoing.
“The successful operation underscores ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to protect critical national infrastructure and curb crude oil theft across the country,” it said.
