Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 15 suspected oil thieves in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos State.
The development was contained in an operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Abuja.
According to the report, the suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Friday by personnel of Headquarters 9 Brigade in collaboration with 65 Battalion, following credible intelligence.
It stated that the suspects were intercepted while allegedly attempting to illegally tap into a crude oil discharge point from a vessel supplying crude to the Dangote Refinery.
“The vessel was discharging crude oil to the refinery for the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) when the suspects were caught trying to connect pipes to the discharge point,” it said.
The report further disclosed that the operation led to the arrest of 15 suspects, as well as the recovery of several items allegedly used in the illegal activity.
Items recovered include a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 sport utility vehicle, and a Ford Ranger pick-up truck.
Other recovered items were a pumping machine, a 40HP Yamaha speedboat engine, and multiple hoses.
“The suspects and exhibits are currently in the custody of 65 Battalion, while further investigations are ongoing.
“The successful operation underscores ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to protect critical national infrastructure and curb crude oil theft across the country,” it said.
