Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended 15 individuals suspected of oil theft around the Ibeju-Lekki axis of Lagos State.
According to an operational report, the suspects were arrested in the early hours of Friday by personnel of the 9 Brigade in collaboration with the 65 Battalion, acting on credible intelligence.
The report disclosed that the suspects were caught attempting to illegally tap crude oil from a vessel discharging at the Dangote Refinery.
The crude was reportedly being supplied for the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) when the interception occurred.
Items recovered during the operation include a Mack tanker, a Lexus RX 350 SUV, a Ford Ranger pickup, a pumping machine, a 40HP Yamaha speedboat engine, and several hoses used for the illegal operation.
The suspects and recovered exhibits are currently in custody, while investigations continue.
The Army noted that the operation highlights its sustained efforts to safeguard critical national infrastructure and combat crude oil theft across the country.