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The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Friday while attempting to connect their pipes to the discharge point of the vessel.
By Sumaila Ogbaje
Fifteen oil thieves have been arrested while attempting to illegally tap into a crude oil discharge point from a vessel supplying crude to the Dangote Refinery around Ibeju Lekki axis of Lagos State.
The suspected oil thieves were arrested by troops of Headquarters 9 Brigade in conjunction with 65 Battalion following credible intelligence, according to operational report of the Nigerian Army seen on Friday in Abuja.
According to the report, the suspects were apprehended in the early hours of Friday while attempting to connect their pipes to the discharge point of the vessel.
“The vessel was discharging crude oil to the refinery for the production of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) when the suspects were caught trying to connect pipes to the discharge point,” it said.
The report said the operation led to the arrest of 15 suspects and recovery of several items used in the illegal activity.
According to the report, recovered items include a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 sport utility vehicle, and a Ford Ranger pick-up truck.
Other items are a pumping machine, a 40HP Yamaha speedboat engine, and multiple hose pipes.
“The suspects and exhibits are currently in the custody of 65 Battalion, while further investigations are ongoing.
“The successful operation underscores ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to protect critical national infrastructure and curb crude oil theft across the country,” it said.
(NAN)