…the troops intercepted the suspects during a targeted raid.
ABUJA, NIGERIA- The iNews Times| Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected large-scale oil theft syndicate operating along the Lekki–Ibeju coastal axis of Lagos State, leading to the arrest of 15 individuals and the recovery of equipment used in illegal petroleum activities.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of April 17, 2026, was conducted by troops of the 65 Battalion under the 81 Division. It followed sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance around the Dangote Refinery corridor, a location believed to be vulnerable to such criminal activities.
According to information shared by security analyst Zagazola Makama on X, the troops intercepted the suspects during a targeted raid. The individuals are believed to have been involved in siphoning petroleum products.
Items recovered at the scene include trucks, marine equipment, and pumping machines suspected to have been used in the illicit operation.
Security sources indicated that the success of the mission was largely due to coordinated intelligence efforts and close monitoring of suspicious movements within the area.
They noted that the operation was part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat crude oil theft and protect critical national infrastructure, particularly in strategic locations such as the Dangote Refinery corridor.
Investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of the network and identify other individuals connected to the illegal activities.
