Troops of the 65 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have dismantled a suspected illegal bunkering site in the Orile area of Lagos State, arresting six suspects and recovering petroleum products and vehicles allegedly used in the illicit operation.

The operation, carried out on July 16, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected economic saboteurs operating within the area.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, the troops conducted a targeted raid on the location, leading to the arrest of six individuals believed to be involved in the illegal bunkering business.

Items recovered during the operation included four drums, two of which contained suspected illegally refined petroleum products. Soldiers also seized a white Ford bus and a tanker allegedly used to facilitate the illegal operation.

The statement said the suspects and all recovered exhibits were handed over to the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps by the Commanding Officer of the 65 Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel S. Adeojo, for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Commending the troops, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General Adebayo Babalola, praised their swift response, professionalism and successful execution of the operation.

He said the operation underscored the Division’s commitment to protecting critical national assets and preventing criminal elements from operating within its area of responsibility.

Babalola also urged troops to sustain the momentum in ongoing operations while encouraging members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to security agencies to support efforts against economic sabotage and other criminal activities.