By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected illegal bunkering site in the Orile General Area of Lagos State, arresting six suspected oil bunkerers during an intelligence-led operation.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of four trucks, a pumping machine, and assorted pipes and drums allegedly used for illegal bunkering activities, in what the Army described as another major blow against economic sabotage in the state.
The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, saying the operation was carried out by troops under the leadership of the Commanding Officer of the 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo.
According to Yahaya, the troops acted on credible intelligence before raiding the suspected illegal bunkering site, where six suspects were apprehended without incident.
He said the operation led to the recovery of four trucks, one pumping machine, and assorted pipes and drums believed to have been used for illegal petroleum-related activities.
The Army spokesman added that the suspects, along with the recovered items, had been handed over to personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, for further investigation and necessary action.
Yahaya further disclosed that the General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Abdulrahman Babalola, commended the troops for the successful operation.
The GOC also charged the troops to sustain the offensive against economic sabotage and other criminal activities across the 81 Division Area of Responsibility, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at protecting critical national assets and ensuring internal security.
