Army Arrests 15 Suspected Oil Thieves Near Dangote Refinery in Lagos

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested 15 suspected oil thieves in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos, close to the Dangote Refinery.

According to an operational report released in Abuja, the suspects were arrested in the early hours of Friday by troops from the 9 Brigade working with the 65 Battalion. The operation followed credible intelligence.

The report said the suspects were caught while trying to illegally tap into a crude oil discharge point from a vessel supplying crude to the 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,” the report stated.

Security forces recovered several items used for the operation. These include a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 SUV, and a Ford Ranger pick-up truck. Officers also seized a pumping machine, a 40HP Yamaha speedboat engine, and multiple hose pipes.

The suspects and recovered items are now in the custody of the 65 Battalion, while investigations continue.

The army said the operation highlights its ongoing efforts to protect key national infrastructure and reduce crude oil theft across Nigeria.