Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion have dismantled a suspected illegal oil bunkering site in the Orile area of Lagos State, arresting six suspects during an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing economic sabotage and the illicit petroleum trade.

According to the Army, the operation was conducted on July 16 following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected economic saboteurs operating in the area. Acting on the information, troops raided the location, arrested six individuals believed to be involved in illegal bunkering activities and recovered exhibits linked to the operation.

Items recovered during the raid included four drums—two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products—as well as a white Ford bus and a tanker allegedly used to facilitate the illegal operation. The suspects and recovered items were subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Lagos State Command, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, commended the troops for the successful operation and urged them to sustain efforts against illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage. He also appealed to members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to protect critical national assets.

Illegal oil bunkering remains a major challenge in Nigeria, contributing to environmental degradation, loss of public revenue and the growth of organised criminal networks. While security operations play an important role in disrupting these activities, lasting progress also depends on strengthening regulatory oversight, ensuring transparent management of the petroleum sector, holding those who profit from oil theft accountable regardless of status, and creating sustainable economic opportunities in communities where illicit refining has become a source of livelihood.