Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 15 suspected oil thieves in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State in a crackdown on illegal crude activities.
The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Friday during a joint operation by personnel of the 9 Brigade Headquarters and the 65 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence.
An operational report made available in Abuja disclosed that the suspects were intercepted while attempting to siphon crude oil from a vessel discharging to the Dangote Refinery.
The report indicated that the vessel was supplying crude for the production of Premium Motor Spirit and Automotive Gas Oil when the suspects allegedly tried to connect hoses to the discharge point.
Items recovered during the operation include a Mack tanker, a Lexus RX 350 sport utility vehicle and a Ford Ranger pick-up truck.
Also seized were a pumping machine, a 40-horsepower Yamaha speedboat engine and several hose pipes used for the illicit activity.
The report added that the suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in the custody of the 65 Battalion, while investigations are ongoing.
It noted that the operation highlights the military’s sustained efforts to safeguard critical national assets and combat crude oil theft across the country.
