Army dismantles illegal bunkering site, arrests six suspects in Lagos
Nigerian Army Dismantles Illegal Bunkering Operation in Lagos State
LAGOS, Nigeria — Troops from the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion have dismantled what is believed to be an illegal bunkering operation in the Orile General Area of Lagos State, arresting six suspects in the process. The operation, conducted on July 16, followed credible intelligence regarding suspected economic sabotage in the region.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 81 Division, soldiers launched a coordinated raid based on the gathered intelligence. The operation resulted in the recovery of four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products.
In addition to the seized petroleum, authorities recovered a white Ford bus and a tanker, both thought to have been utilized in the unlawful activities. The suspects, along with the seized items, were handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigation and potential prosecution.
Major General Adebayo Babalola, General Officer Commanding the 81 Division, praised the troops for their professionalism and swift execution of the mission. He emphasized the operation’s importance in protecting national assets and preventing criminal enterprises from engaging in economic sabotage within the division’s jurisdiction.
“The achievement reflects the Division’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding critical national assets,” Babalola stated. He urged military personnel to maintain ongoing operations against illegal bunkering and other forms of crime while encouraging public cooperation with security agencies through the provision of timely and credible information.
