Operatives of the Nigerian Army have apprehended 15 individuals suspected of attempting to steal crude oil near the Dangote Refinery in the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos State.
According to an operational update released in Abuja on Friday, the arrests were carried out by troops from the 9 Brigade in collaboration with the 65 Battalion. The operation followed credible intelligence received by the military.
The suspects were reportedly intercepted in the early hours of the day while trying to illegally siphon crude oil from a vessel supplying the refinery. The vessel was in the process of offloading crude for the production of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) and Automotive Gas Oil (diesel) when the group attempted to connect hoses to the discharge point.
Security operatives recovered several items believed to have been used for the operation. These include a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 SUV, a Ford Ranger pickup truck, a pumping machine, a 40-horsepower Yamaha speedboat engine, and multiple hose pipes.
The suspects, along with the recovered equipment, are currently in the custody of the 65 Battalion as investigations continue.
The Army noted that the operation highlights its ongoing commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and tackling crude oil theft across Nigeria.