Soldiers from 65 Battalion have dismantled what they believe is an illegal bunkering operation in the Orile General Area of Lagos State. The raid, which took place on July 16, 2026, led to the arrest of six suspects and the recovery of items used in the illicit activity.
Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, acting deputy director of army public relations at 81 Division Nigerian Army, said the operation was based on solid intelligence about suspected economic saboteurs working in the area. Troops moved quickly on the information and conducted a targeted raid that netted the six individuals allegedly involved in illegal oil refining.
Soldiers recovered four drums, two of which held suspected illegally refined petroleum products, a white Ford bus and a tanker believed to have supported the criminal operation. The six suspects and all recovered items went to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Lagos State Command for further questioning and legal proceedings.
Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo, commanding officer of 65 Battalion, handed over the suspects and equipment to the NSCDC.
The General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Adebayo Babalola, praised the troops for their quick action and professionalism during the raid.
Major General Babalola said the operation showed the division's commitment to protecting crucial national infrastructure and stopping criminals from operating freely in their area. He told troops to keep up the momentum in their ongoing security operations and pushed the public to send useful information to security agencies.
