Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected large-scale oil theft syndicate operating along the Lekki–Ibeju coastal axis of Lagos State, arresting 15 suspects and recovering equipment used for illegal petroleum activities.

A post on X by security analyst Zagazola Makama said the operation was carried out in the early hours of April 17, 2026, by troops of the 65 Battalion under the 81 Division, following sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance around the Dangote Refinery corridor.

During the raid, the troops intercepted the suspects believed to be involved in siphoning petroleum products. Recovered items include trucks, marine equipment and pumping machines suspected to have been used in the operation.

Security sources told Makama that the success of the mission was driven by coordinated intelligence and close monitoring of suspicious movements linked to the group.

“The operation was conducted in the early hours of April 17, 2026, by troops of 65 Battalion under the 81 Division, following sustained human intelligence and surveillance on suspected crude oil and refined product theft activities in the area close to the Dangote Refinery corridor,” the sources said.