Troops Recover Suspected Refined Petroleum Products, Tanker and Ford Bus During Intelligence-Led Operation
Troops of the 65 Battalion, Nigerian Army, have dismantled a suspected illegal bunkering site in the Orile General Area of Lagos State, arresting six suspects during an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing economic sabotage.
The operation resulted in the recovery of four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products. Security operatives also seized a white Ford bus and a tanker believed to have been used in the illegal bunkering activities.
Illegal bunkering remains one of Nigeria’s most significant economic and environmental challenges, depriving the nation of billions of naira in oil revenue annually while causing widespread pollution of rivers, wetlands and farmlands.
The illicit activity also contributes to environmental degradation, threatens the livelihoods of host communities and poses serious safety risks through pipeline vandalism and illegal refining operations.
Following the operation, the six suspects, along with the recovered exhibits, were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The successful raid highlights the continued collaboration between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies in protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure and tackling crimes affecting the oil and gas sector.
Commending the troops for their professionalism and commitment, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, praised the successful operation and urged personnel to sustain the ongoing campaign against economic sabotage.
He also called on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence that will assist in identifying and dismantling illegal bunkering networks across the country.
The Nigerian Army has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national assets and ensuring that individuals involved in illegal oil-related activities are brought to justice.
IBN NEWS will continue to provide updates on security operations and efforts to combat economic sabotage across Nigeria.
