Army troops foils major bunkering operation along Lagos waterways, recovers trucks, arrest 15 suspects

By: Zagazola Makama

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 multiple vehicles, marine equipment, and pumping devices used in illegal petroleum siphoning.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that 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.

According to the sources, the troops deployed from Bonny Cantonment moved into the Lekki Free Zone general area after intelligence indicated that a coordinated illegal bunkering operation was ongoing at a creek location linked to offshore barge activities.

The sources explained that upon arrival at about 1:30 a.m., troops discovered that suspected bunkerers were actively siphoning petroleum products from a vessel positioned offshore. The product was reportedly being transferred through an improvised pipeline system into a waiting tanker truck stationed onshore.

The illegal operation, according to the sources, involved the use of floating hoses, pumping machines, and a concealed offshore barge system, designed to move petroleum products from sea-based installations into land-based storage and transport vehicles.

Troops reportedly intervened and arrested 15 suspects at the scene, while the illegal pumping activity was immediately halted. However, due to the tidal conditions and sea wave intensity at the time of the operation, troops were unable to physically access the offshore barge believed to be part of the criminal network.

Recovered items from the scene include a Mack tanker truck, a Lexus RX 350 SUV, a Ford Ranger pickup vehicle, a pumping machine, a 40HP Yamaha speedboat engine, and a large quantity of industrial hose pipes suspected to have been used for product transfer.

Security sources further disclosed that the operation followed earlier tracking of suspicious movements in the area, including reports of illegal connections suspected to be siphoning petroleum products from high-value industrial supply points within the Lekki Free Zone environment.

All arrested suspects and recovered exhibits have been taken into custody for detailed investigation aimed at identifying the broader network behind the operation, including offshore collaborators and land-based logistics support units.

Military said preliminary investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of damage, ownership of vessels involved, and possible collusion with external actors operating within the maritime corridor.

Security forces have also intensified surveillance across coastal routes and industrial installations in Lagos State as part of wider efforts to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and illegal petroleum product diversion.

The military assured that follow-up operations will continue to target remaining members of the syndicate and dismantle all associated logistics chains supporting illegal bunkering activities in the region.

Army troops foils major bunkering operation along Lagos waterways, recovers trucks, arrest 15 suspects

Troops recover 74 rustled livestock in Katsina

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and local vigilantes, have recovered 74 rustled livestock following an operation in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State.

Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 6:50 p.m. on April 13 after troops received credible intelligence on terrorist activities in Matazu town.

According to the sources, the troops swiftly mobilised to the area, where they made contact with the suspected terrorists and engaged them in a firefight.

“The terrorists were overwhelmed by superior firepower and forced to withdraw from the area,” the sources said.

They added that troops subsequently exploited the general area and successfully recovered 74 rustled livestock.

The recovered animals were later handed over to personnel of the Nigeria Police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for further necessary action.

Security agencies have continued operations in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further incidents.

Troops recover 74 rustled livestock in Katsina

Police officer arrested after fatal armed robbery at Kontagora filling station

By: Zagazola Makama

The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a serving Mobile Police officer in connection with an armed robbery incident that left a fuel attendant dead in Kontagora Local Government Area.

Sources said the incident occurred on April 15, 2026, at about 2:40 p.m., when a distress call was received reporting an armed robbery at Garun Mallam Filling Station, behind BCG Garage, Kontagora.

According to the sources, two armed suspects, one of whom was reportedly dressed in a mobile police uniform and operating on a motorcycle, stormed the filling station and demanded money from the fuel attendant after purchasing fuel.

When the attendant, identified as 20-year-old Jibrin Inuwa of Garun Mallam, resisted, one of the suspects shot him in the chest and fled with an undisclosed sum of money.

The victim was rushed to the General Hospital, Kontagora, where he was confirmed dead, and his body was later released to his family for burial according to Islamic rites.

Following the attack, police patrol teams from ‘A’ Division Kontagora, led by the Divisional Police Officer, trailed the suspects to the Dadinkowa area behind a vigilante office, where they were engaged in a gun duel.

One of the suspects was eventually overpowered, shot in the leg, disarmed, and arrested.

The suspect was later identified as a serving Mobile Police officer, Insp. Jido Ahmed, attached to 61 PMF Kontagora but currently on special duty in Agwara.

He was taken to the General Hospital, Kontagora, and later referred to the Police Clinic in Minna for treatment.

An AK-47 rifle with number 38262 and 12 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from him.

Sources from the command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the second fleeing suspect, while investigation into the case continues.

Police officer arrested after fatal armed robbery at Kontagora filling station