Army Arrests 15 Over Attempted Crude Theft from Dangote Refinery Supply Vessel

Security operatives in Nigeria have intensified their crackdown on oil theft and related crimes, with the Nigerian Army confirming the arrest of 15 suspects linked to an attempted crude oil siphoning operation involving a supply vessel connected to the Dangote Refinery.

According to an official military report, the arrests were made during a coordinated operation targeting illegal oil activities along key supply routes to the refinery in Lagos. The suspects were apprehended in the early hours of the day while allegedly attempting to siphon crude oil from a vessel en route to the facility, a critical asset in Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector.

Authorities described the operation as part of ongoing efforts to combat crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism—longstanding challenges that continue to impact Nigeria’s oil production, revenue generation, and energy security. The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing preliminary investigations, after which they will be handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution.

The development highlights the strategic importance of the Dangote Refinery, a major industrial project expected to significantly boost Nigeria’s local refining capacity and reduce reliance on imported petroleum products.

In a related security development, the Kwara State Police Command intercepted 98 rounds of live ammunition concealed in a bag of garri along Ajase-Ipo Road in Irepodun Local Government Area. The ammunition was discovered inside an unregistered Toyota Previa vehicle reportedly entering the state from Kogi.

Speaking on the operation, Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo stated that the discovery was made possible through intelligence-led policing and routine stop-and-search operations, emphasizing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in maintaining security.

Meanwhile, the Kogi State Police Command also recorded a major breakthrough by foiling a kidnapping attempt along Kabba-Ayere Road. Officers successfully rescued one victim, recovered an 18-passenger bus, and arrested seven suspected kidnappers in the process.

These coordinated efforts across multiple states reflect a broader push by Nigerian security agencies to tackle criminal activities and strengthen public safety, particularly in areas critical to the nation’s economic stability.