Troops of the Nigerian Army detained 15 individuals suspected of oil theft along the Ibeju‑Lekki corridor in Lagos State early on Friday. The operation, detailed in a report supplied to the News Agency of Nigeria, was carried out by units from Headquarters 9 Brigade together with the 65 Battalion after receiving credible intelligence.
According to the report, the suspects were intercepted while trying to attach pipes to a crude‑oil discharge point on a vessel that was delivering oil to the Dangote Refinery for the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO). The statement quoted a source saying, "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."
The raid resulted in the recovery of a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 sport‑utility vehicle, a Ford Ranger pickup, a pumping machine, a 40 HP Yamaha speed‑boat engine and several hose pipes. The suspects and the seized items remain in the custody of the 65 Battalion while investigations continue. The report added, "The successful operation underscores ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to protect critical national infrastructure and curb crude oil theft across the country."
Further inquiries are expected to determine the network behind the attempted siphoning and to assess any additional security measures for the refinery's supply chain.
The army's capture of 15 men attempting to tap a crude‑oil line feeding the Dangote Refinery shows a decisive move to shield a key energy asset. Seizing vehicles and equipment indicates the operation's scale and the seriousness of the threat. Continued investigations should help deter similar schemes and preserve refinery output.
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