Troops of the Nigerian Army have foiled a “large-scale” illegal oil bunkering operation along the Lekki–Ibeju coastal axis of Lagos state.
The theft syndicate was also dismantled.
According
to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the
Lake Chad region, 15 suspects were arrested, with troops recovering multiple
vehicles, marine equipment, and pumping devices used in illegal petroleum
siphoning.
Security sources told Makama that the operation was
conducted in the early hours of Friday following sustained human intelligence
and surveillance on suspected crude oil and refined product theft activities in
the area close to the Dangote Refinery corridor.
“According to the sources, the troops deployed from Bonny
Cantonment moved into the Lekki Free Zone general area after intelligence
indicated that a coordinated illegal bunkering operation was ongoing at a creek
location linked to offshore barge activities,” the report reads.
“The sources explained that upon arrival at about 1:30 a.m.,
troops discovered that suspected bunkerers were actively siphoning petroleum
products from a vessel positioned offshore.
“The product was reportedly being transferred through an
improvised pipeline system into a waiting tanker truck stationed onshore.
“The illegal operation, according to the sources, involved
the use of floating hoses, pumping machines, and a concealed offshore barge
system, designed to move petroleum products from sea-based installations into
land-based storage and transport vehicles.”
Troops arrested the suspects at the scene and halted the
illegal pumping activity.
However, due to rough tidal conditions, they could not
access an offshore barge believed to be part of the network.
Items recovered include a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350
SUV, a Ford Ranger pickup, a pumping machine, a 40HP Yamaha engine, and large
quantities of industrial hose pipes.
The publication said all suspects and exhibits are in
custody as investigations continue to uncover the wider network, including
offshore collaborators and land-based support units.
“Security forces have also intensified surveillance across
coastal routes and industrial installations in Lagos State as part of wider
efforts to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal petroleum
product diversion,” the publication added.
“The military assured that follow-up operations will
continue to target remaining members of the syndicate and dismantle all
associated logistics chains supporting illegal bunkering activities in the
region.”
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