By Peace Erewunmi

Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 65 Battalion have dismantled a suspected illegal bunkering site in the Orile area of Lagos State, arresting six suspected oil bunkerers during an intelligence-led operation aimed at combating economic sabotage. The operation was carried out following credible intelligence on illegal oil bunkering activities in the area.

The raid was conducted under the leadership of the Commanding Officer of the battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo. During the operation, troops recovered four trucks, one pumping machine, and assorted pipes and drums allegedly used for siphoning and transporting petroleum products illegally.

According to the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the operation forms part of ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to curb illegal bunkering, protect critical national assets and strengthen security within the 81 Division Area of Responsibility.

The arrested suspects, along with the recovered equipment, have been handed over to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, commended the troops for the successful operation and urged them to sustain the offensive against illegal bunkering and other forms of economic sabotage across the division’s operational area.