LAGOS, NIGERIA – July 18, 2026 – Troops of the 65 Battalion, Nigerian Army, have dismantled a suspected illegal bunkering site in the Orile area of Lagos State, arresting six suspects and recovering vehicles and petroleum products linked to the illicit operation.
The operation, carried out on July 16, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected economic saboteurs operating within the area. Acting on the information, troops launched a targeted raid on the location, leading to the arrest of six individuals allegedly involved in illegal bunkering.
Recovered during the operation were four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products. Troops also seized a white Ford bus and a tanker believed to have been used to facilitate the illegal activity.
The suspects and all recovered exhibits were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, by the Commanding Officer of the 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, praised their professionalism, swift response and successful execution of the operation.
He said the operation underscores the Division’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and preventing criminal elements from operating within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility.
Major General Babalola also urged troops to sustain the ongoing offensive against economic sabotage while calling on members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.
The operation forms part of the Nigerian Army’s sustained efforts to combat crude oil theft, illegal bunkering and other economic crimes across its operational areas.
