Troops Arrest 15 in Lagos Illegal Oil Network Bust

On April 17, 2026, Nigerian troops from the 65 Battalion of the 81 Division dismantled an illegal oil network in Lagos, arresting 15 suspects believed to be part of a large-scale oil theft syndicate operating along the Lekki-Ibeju coastal axis. The operation was driven by sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance around the Dangote Refinery corridor.

During the early hours of the raid, troops intercepted suspects thought to be involved in siphoning petroleum products. The operation resulted in the recovery of various items, including trucks and marine equipment, as well as pumping machines used in the illegal activities.

Security sources indicated that the success of the mission was attributed to coordinated intelligence and close monitoring of suspicious movements linked to the group.